'^. 






• O » ' 



■*^^ 



.^ 



v^ 









.<;"^^/^. 






C 



^^r^. 



%< 



K<i^ 



,0v 






^-^^ ^ 



^^ -^^ 



o 



• » ^ '^o 



<^. 



^ *^ * • . , 1 • '* 



















'■^-r 



\ 



■>^- 






^ v 

^. .^f- /« 



^ ,^^ .\mK/}) 



"^■^^ <^ 









>' . 






^^' \ ^.:^^^*,^^' -^^ V^.^. 







^"•^^. 






o . » ' .0 O^ ^ . . s ^ . • ■ 



.Hq. 



Q^' 







- 




^^ 


> 



' //."'A-^ 



' ^N^'-V. -'.J^ 



••/ 



y»' 



^^'^<^ 



^^0^ 

^{5°^ 



V 



v^' 



,4 0, 






.-X' 



,^ 



'^^0> 










^^0^ 

.^^°- 












t^ ^a*' 



6 ^.. 





















.^•V 



**-, 



<?, 






^'^^■^ . 






\' 



'^^0^ 



"V - ^- .. -> 









.0" 



V- 
,4 o. 



i^\ll^\'. 









^^-^^^ 






c" 






o'"^ 

"i^- 






Jos. R. C. Ward, 

Notary Publlv 

5717 GIRARD AVENUE, 

PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



.<#^ 




BRIGADIEk-CENERAL TURNER G. MOREH 



Aug. 28. iS 



EAD. 



April 5, 1864. 
Colonel io6ih Regiment Ppnncvi„o.,:„ ^7 1 

Appointed BrigadieloelieValTsV^Mrrcrxfi'lfi. 
Discharged by S. O.. April 5, ,864 '' ^^'^ 



HISTORY 



One Hundred and Sixth Regiment 

Pennsylvania Volunteers 

2d brigade, 2d division, 2d CORPS 
1861—1865 



JOSEPH R. C. WARD, D. D. S. 

Late Corporal Company 1, 106lh Regiment, P. V.; Corporal Company C, 1st Regiment, N. G. P. 

Second Lieutenant Company K, 7lh Regiment, N. G. P.; Adjutant 8th Regiment, N. G. P.; 

Captain Company C, Twentieth Veteran Regiment, N. G. P.; 

Major and Assistant Adjutant General, 3d Brigade, 1st Division, N. G. P.; 

Colonel Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. P.; 

Colonel Retired, N. G. P. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

F. McManus, Jr. & Co. 
1906 



f^<ryi^^ ■ 



-5 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS^ 
Two GoDies Received 

/^TH 5 1907 

/L Copyright Entry 
CUSS A XXc, No, 
COPY 3. 



30 



COPYRIGHT 



JOSEPH R. C. WARD 
1906 



PREFACE. 



In presenting this volttme to his comrades, friends, and those of the pub- 
lic who may be sufficiently interested to procure a copy, the writer makes 
no claims whatever for it as a work of any literary merit; but presents it 
as a plain statement of facts connected with the history of his Regiment, 
a Regiment whose services in camp, on the march and in battle entitle 
it to be classed as one of Pennsylvania's best. Constituting a part of the 
brigade that bore the name of the city from whence nearly all of its mem- 
bers came, whose reputation was known, and its services recognized 
throughout the whole Army of the Potomac, "The Philadelphia Brigade", 
officially known as the Second Brigade, Second Division of the Second 
Army Corps, the fighting Corps of the "Army of the Potomac". 

The facts have been gathered from a diary kept by him throughout his 
whole term of service and from letters written home to family and friends, 
describing in full the campaigns, marches and battles. He was always with 
his Regiment, and accompanied it on all its marches and special duties ; but 
on account of size and age, was a non-conaJ^atant, so did not go into the 
actual fight until Spring of 1864. when he was appointed on the staff of 
the General commanding the Division ; up to that time he accompanied it 
so far as to watch its manoeuvring and went over each field after the action 
ceased; so that nearly all the facts here related came under his personal 
observation. 

He has been compelled to group facts with which the Regiment had no 
direct connection, and to mention movements of other parts of the army, in 
order to continue the thread of the story, to illustrate why that portion of 
the army of which the Regiment was a part was in such a place, and per- 
formed such services, and particularly to make the volume a readable book 
to those of his comrades who have not had the opportunities to know why 
they were compelled to endure sitch hardships, make such a march, or 
fight such a battle, and do not now possess or have at their command large 
libraries from which to obtain that information. He offers these reasons 
as an apology for going beyond, and including more than, the history of 
the Regiment. It may be accepted as a history of the Brigade, as the lives 
of the four regiments composing it were so entwined that the history of 
one is the history of all. 



iv PREFACE 

I '' »-,, 

The One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania was not a regiment that did 
"any one particular brilliant service at any one engagement to make it noted, 
and then retired from real active service to point at it as its record and 
pride themselves on the glory of that achievement, but throughout its whole 
three years service as a Regiment, and one year as a Battalion, it was con- 
stantly called upon to bear its part in each engagement where it fought, and 
its colors were always seen where the fighting was the hardest, or, in that 
still more trying position, supporting artillery and compelled to remain in- 
active while subjected to severe fire of shot and shell, and its survivors 
can now look back with pride to the manner in which that service was per- 
formed, and feel that in no instance was there anything to cause them the 
slightest humiliation. 

About thirty years ago the writer began his labors on this work, and 
when Colonel Banes decided to publish the history of the Brigade, he felt 
there was no need to continue his work, and gladly aided him with such 
facts as he possessed ; but upon repeated requests and letters from his com- 
rades, and the unanimously adopted resolution of the survivors assembled 
in re-union at Gettysburg, Pa., July, 1882, where he read to them a brief 
sketch of the Regiment during their whole term of service, requesting him 
to continue his labors and publish for them the history of the Regiment, 
he decided to complete his work, now rendered more difficult, owing to 
inability to collect from the membership at large such facts as are not 
officially known, and the many incidents that go to make up the life of 
an organization ; and yet somewhat easier for the official part of its life, 
owing to the many publications that have been issued during that time. 

Recognizing the labors, and the ability displayed by Colonel Banes, in pre- 
paring his book, "The History of the Philadelphia Brigade", the writer has 
adopted it as a guide and been greatly aided by its contents ; and has 
freely quoted such parts as he thought would enrich his volume and be in- 
teresting to his comrades. He has also had reference to Swinton's "Army 
of the Potomac" and "Twelve Decisive Battles of the War"', Bryant's 
"History of the United States", Webb's "Peninsula", Rope's "Army Under 
Pope", Palfrey's "Antietam and Fredericksburg". Doubleday's "Chancellors- 
ville and Gettysburg" and Humphreys' "Virginia Campaign of '64 and '65", 
and some of the official reports of Generals McClellan. Meade and Lee. 

He cheerfully acknowledges his indebtedness to General Wm. W. Burns, 

' U. S. A., General Alexander S. Webb, U. S. A., General James C. Lynch, 

Captain Robert H. Ford, Captain William N. Jones. Captain Lynford D. 




CORPORAL JOS. R. C. WARD. 
Aug. 24, 1861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

„ . ., , ,, , As Musician, Company ••I." 

Detailed as Mounted Orderly. Headquarters .d Division, 2d Corps. April i, 1864 

Promoted to Corporal, June 16, 1864. • ^' 

Appointed Chief of Orderlies at same Headquarters 

Wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12 1864 

Mustered out with Company, Sept, 10, 1864 



PREFACE V 

C Tyler, Lieutenant William B. Rose, Major William H. Lambert, for 
their able counsel and many kind favors. 

He is also under obligations to Sergeant Joseph N. Radcliff, of Company 
C. who placed at his disposal one of the most complete diaries, kept by 
him during his four years' service. 

Regretting that the task had not fallen to one far more competent to give 
to the public the services of the faithful One Hundred and Sixth, he asks 
the indulgence of his comrades for any errors that may be discovered. If 
they vv^ill accept this History as the best that could be written at this late 
•day he will feel that his labors have no't been in vain ; but whatever their 
verdict may be he will ever subscribe himself 

Fraternally, 

Jos. R. C. Ward. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE. 
FORMATION 1 

CHAPTER H. 

TO THE FRONT 5 

CHAPTER HI. 
ball's bluff 9 

CHAPTER IV. 

WINTER QUARTERS .' 15 

CHAPTER V. 

THE ADVANCE 23 

CHAPTER VI. 

YORKTOWN 33 

CHAPTER VII. 

FAIR OAKS 47 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SEVEN DAYS* FIGHT 60 

CHAPTER IX. 

TO THE RELIEF OF POPE 82 

CHAPTER X. • 

ANTIETAM 93 

CHAPTER XL 

MCCLELLAN RELIEVED 117 



viii CONTENTS 

CHAPTER XII. 

PAGE. 
FREDERICKSBURG 127 

CHAPTER XIII. 

WINTER QUARTERS 151 

CHAPTER XIV. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE 162 

CHAPTER XV. 

IXVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 169 

CHAPTER XVI. 

GETTYSBURG 181 

CHAPTER XVII. 

I 
BACK TO VIRGINIA 213 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

WINTER QUARTERS AGAIN 230 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE WILDERNESS 237 

CHAPTER XX. 

SPOTTSYLVANIA 245 

CHAPTER XXI. 

NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY 257 

CHAPTER XXII. 

COLD HARBOR 264 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

PETERSBURG 273 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

HOME AGAIN 284 

CHAPTER XXV. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 286 



CONTENTS ix 

ROSTER OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT. 

FIELD AND STAFF 298 . 

REGIMENTAL BAND 300 

FIELD AND STAFF, ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 301 

COMPANY A 303 

COMPANY B 310 

COMPANY C 316 

COMPANY D 323 

COMPANY E 330 

COMPANY F 335 

COMPANY G 346 

COMPANY H 350 

COMPANY I 360 

COMPANY K 366 

ROLL OF DEAD 377 

LOSSES BY COMPANIES 382 

DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS. 

EAST CEMETERY HILL, GETTYSBURG, PA 386 

CEMETERY RIDGE, GETTYSBURG, PA 390 

ANTIETAM 418 

BIOGRAPHIES. 

GENERAL TURNER GUSTAVUS MOREHEAD 428 

COLONEL WILLIAM L. CURRY 432 

COLONEL JOHN H. STOVER 437 

GENERAL JAMES CANNING LYNCH 440' 

COLONEL JOS. R. C. WARD 444 

INDEX 451 



INDEX TO PORTRAITS. 



PAGE. 

Colonel Turner G. IMorehead Frontispiece. 

Colonel Jos. R. C. W.\rd v 

Field and Staff (Original) 4 

Colonel T. G. Morehead, Lieut. -Colonel W. L. Curry, 

Major J. H. Stover. Captain J. R. Breitenbach, 

Adjutant F. M. Pleis. Quartermaster W. H. Stokes. 

Croup. Staff 15 

.Adjutant F. M. Pleis. Asst. Surgeon Philip Leidy, 

John A. Steel, " H. D. McLean. 

Grouf. Non-Commissioned Staff 33 

Sergt.-Major Jas. D. Tyler, Sergt.-Major Wm. H. Neiler. 
Drum Major Lewis W. Grantier. 

Group. Company A 48 

Captain Chas. S. Schwartz, Sergeant E. Sherwood Walton, 
Captain David G. Walton. 

Hospital at Fair Oaks 57 

]\I A TOR JoH N H. Stover 67 

Ge.weral W.\i. W. Burns 76 

Group. Company A 80 

Corporal John S. Dove, Corporal Geo. S. Smith, 

Private John S. Turner. 

Groui'. Company B 93 

Captain Paul J. Hallowell, Sergeant Alonzo C. Schank, 
Private Henry Vaughan. 

General Oliver O. IIowarh 102 

Group. Company C 112 

Captain R. W. P. Allen, Sergeant Theo. L. Lockerman, 

Sergeant Geo. W. White. 

vGroup. Company C 127 

Captain John W. Lynch, Sergeant Henry J. Blair, 

Private Henry H. Spencer. 



INDEX TO PORTRAITS ^ xi 

PAGE. 

"Group. Company C 144 

Sergeant Jonathan C. Barnes, Sergeant Chas. H. Hickok, 
Private William W. Smith. 

Group. Company D 150 

Lieutenant John Irvin. Sergeant Samuel Irvin, 

Sergeant William Irvin, Corporal David Irvin. 

General Edwin V. Sumner 160 

Group. Company D 16^ 

Lieutenant Joshua A. Gage, Corporal Ellery J. Holcomb, 
Sergeant John E. Rockwell, " Peter W. Scheik. 

Group. Company D 180 

Sergeant Henry C. Veil. Corporal Giles M. Coons, 

Private John D. Turner. 

General James C. Lynch 191 

General Alexander S. Webb 202 

Group. Company E 212 

Sergt. R. A. W. Oestmann, Mus. Gustavus Josephs. 

Group. Company F 224 

Lieutenant James C. Biggs. Private Jacob P'ocht. 
Sergeant R. F. Whitmoyer, " Thomas Purcell. 

The Fl.\g 232 

Group. Company I 336 

Captain Robert H. Ford, Corporal Jefiferson Arthur, 

Corporal Jos. R. C. Ward. 

Group. Company G 245 

Sergeant Allen S. Elliott. 

Colonel Wm. L. Curry 247 

Group. Company H 257 

Captain L. D. C. Tyler. Sergeant James S. Foy, 

Lieutenant Wm. B. Rose. Private James Thompson. 

Group. Company H •. . . 273 

Lieutenant John F. Hassett, Private Thos. Thompson, 
Mus. G. J. R. Miller, " Jonathan C. Hallowell, 

Group. Company K 280 

Sergeant Isaac N. Harvey, Private Giles R. Hallem. 



xii INDEX TO PORTRAITS 

PAGE. 

Corps Mark (Design) 296 

ARMY COMMANDERS, 

General Geo. B. McClellan, General Jos. Hooker, 
" Ambrose E. Burnside, " George G. Meade. 

CORPS COMMANDERS, 

General Edwin V. Sumner, General D. N. Couch, 
General Winfield S. Hancock. 

DIVISION COMMANDERS, 

General John Sedgwick, General Oliver O. Howard, 

General John Gibbon. 

BRIGADE COMMANDERS, 

General Edward D. Baker, General Joshua T. Owen, 

Wm. W. Burns, " Alexander S. Webb. 

Group at Dedication of Tablet at Gettysburg 386 

Monument at Gettysburg 390 

Monument at Gettysburg 394 

Bronz;e Tablet on Monument at Gettysburg 400 

Group at Gettysburg 415 

Monument at Antietam 420 

Group at Antietam 424 

General Turner G. Morehead 428 

Colonel Wm. L. Curry 432 

Colonel Joh n H. Stover 437 

General James C. Lynch 44O 

Colonel Jos. R. C. Ward 444 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



One Hundred and Sixth Regiment 

PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 



CHAPTER I. 

FORMATION. 

THIS Regiment, with the exception of Company K, was organ- 
ized between the 8th day of August and the 30th day of 
September, 1861, by Colonel Turner G. Morehead, of Philadel- 
phia, a prominent and efficient officer of the Pennsylvania Militia, 
immediately upon his return from the three months' service with 
his former regiment, the Twenty-Second Pennsylvania. He was 
ably assisted by William L. Curry, afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and John J. Sperry, Captain of Company A. The Regiment in- 
cluded many officers and men of the Twenty-Second and some 
who had served in the Philadelphia Life Guards, a military organ- 
ization of many years' standing. 

The Regiment was recruited as part of the Baker's California 
Brigade, to be commanded by Colonel Edward D. Baker, a United 
States Senator from Oregon, then Colonel of the First California 
Regiment, which afterwards became the Seventy-First Pennsyl- 
vania, he having been especially commissioned by President 
Lincoln to raise that regiment and afterwards the brigade, to be 
credited to the State of California, which furnished the necessary 
funds for organizing, uniforming and equipping the brigade. 



2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

The first Regiment of the brigade, the thirst CaHfornia, or the 
Seventy-First Pennsylvania, was recruited mainly in Philadelphia 
by Colonel Baker and Colonel Isaac J. Wistar, early in April, 
1861, and sent to New York with Edward D. P>aker as Colonel, 
Isaac J. Wistar, Lieutenant-Colonel, and R. A. Parrish, Major. 

The second Regiment of the brigade, the Seventy-Second 
Pennsylvania, or as it was better known, the Philadelphia Fire 
Zouaves, as it contained representatives from nearly all the Volun- 
teer Fire Companies of Philadelphia, was recruited in August by 
Colonel D. W. C. Baxter, who had just returned as Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania, three months' service, 
and was soon completed with De Witt Clinton Baxter as Colonel, 
Theodore Hesser, Lieutenant-Colonel, and James M. De Witt, 
of the Chicago Zouaves, Major. 

The third Regiment, or the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, was 
recruited by Colonel Joshua T. Owen, commander of the Twenty- 
Fourth Pennsylvania during the three months' service, who com- 
menced the organization of the Sixty-Ninth Regiment immediately 
upon being mustered out of the Twenty-Fourth, and many of 
his officers and men, attached to him by his genial disposition and 
generous nature, readily assented to re-enlist under him ; the 
organization was soon completed with Joshua T. Owen as 
Colonel, Dennis O'Kane, Lieutenant-Colonel, and John Qever- 
eaux, Major. 

Thus the entire brigade was recruited in Philadelphia, with the 
exception of three fine companies of the One Hundred and Sixth 
Regiment from the interior of the State. All of its field and staff 
officers, with the exception of Major De Witt, of the Seventy- 
Second, and Major Stover and Surgeon Dwindle, of the One 
Hundred and Sixth, and nearly all of its line officers, were from 
Philadelphia, so that with the death of General Baker at the battle 
of Ball's Bluff, in October, 1861, the interest of California in the 
brigade was gone, Pennsylvania claimed it as her own, and it 
became known as the Philadelphia Brigade, Second Brigade, 
Second Division, Second Army Corps. 

The organization of the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment was 
completed on February 28, 1862, by the assignment of a company 
of sappers and miners, to be known as Company K. It had been 



1861] 



FORMATION 



known as the Fifth Cahfornia Regiment, but then became, and 
was ever afterwards known as, the One Hundred and Sixth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Vohmteers. 

This company was organized as an independent company of 
sappers and miners, with Woodward as Captain, Carman First 

Lieutenant, and Second Lieutenant, and its assignment as 

one of the companies of the regiment creating much dissatisfaction. 
They insisted upon remaining independent, and appealed to 
General Burns, who informed them that the Government would 
not any longer recognize independent companies, and they would 
have to be assigned as Company K, and become part of the 
regiment, the same as the other companies. This they refused 
to do, so General Burns ordered their discharge and they were sent 
home. Previous thereto Captain William Doyle, who had ex- 
pected to be Captain of Company H, was authorized, with Lieu- 
tenants Fimple and Wessels, to recruit Company K. Before the 
Regiment left Camp Observation, Lieutenant Wessels reported 
with twenty-five men, Lieutenant Fimple remaining at home re- 
cruiting. Captain Doyle was rejected and Lieutenant Fimple 
received authority from Governor Curtin to recruit enough men 
to complete the company, and assume command as its captain. 
He arrived at Harper's Ferry with a balance of seventeen men, the 
necessary number to fill the quota, only to find that the Company 
had been completed by a detachment of men from the Sixty-Ninth 
Pennsylvania, under Captain Martin Frost, and mustered with 
Frost as Captain, himself and Wessels as Lieutenants. 

The companies were then officered as follows : 



CO. 


CAPTAIN 


FIRST LIEUTENANT 


SECOND LIEUTENANT 


A 


John J. Sperry 


William S. White 


James C. Lynch 


B 


J. J. Vaughan 


Jos. T. Banister 


James T. Huey 


C 


R. W. P. Allen 


John W. Lynch 


John A. Steel 


D 


Samuel H. Newman 


William N. Jones 


John Irwin 


E 


Francis H. Achuff 


Wyndham H. Stokes 


Salatiel R. Townsend 


F 


Timothy Clark 


Wm. V. Farr 


William Brvan 


G 


John G. Breitenbach 


Geo. T. Egbert 


Joseph Reed 


H 


Lewis Bartleson 


Paul J. Hallowell 


L. D. C. Tyler 


I 


Robert H. Ford 


Eugene T. Foliet 


Charles Wetzler 


K 


Martin C. Frost 


Theo. J. Fimple 


Francis Wessels 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

The following were the original field and staff officers : 

Colonel Turner G. Morehead. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Wlliam L. Curry. 

Major John H. Stover. 

Adjutant Ferdinand M. Pleis. 

Quartermaster Henry S. Camblos. 

Surgeon Justin Dwinelle. 

Assistant Surgeon Philip J. Leidy. 

Chaplain Wm. C. Harris. 

Sergeant-Major Theodore Wharton. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant .... Samuel L. Hibbs. 

Commissary-Sergeant Jacob Roop. 

Hospital Steward Ralph B. Clarke. 

Principal Musician Frederick A. Waugh. 

Leader of Band Fridoline Stopper. 



^cl^^Slit 







1861] TO THE FRONT 



CHAPTER II. 

TO THE FRONT. 

THE rendezvous of the Regiment during formation was the 
camp at "Bull's Head", West Philadelphia, where all re- 
cruits as soon as mustered were ordered for uniforming, equip- 
ping, and instruction in the duties of a soldier. This was sud- 
denly terminated b}- the following order received by Colonel More- 
head from Colonel Baker: 

Philadelphia, September 29, 1861. 
Colonel: — I have just received orders from General McClellan, 
to direct you to move forward. You will accordingly march to- 
morrow evening for Washington. You will take such steps as will 
forward the movement, and report to me on your arrival. Should 
my brigade have moved forward beyond Washington, you will 
join it at once unless otherwise ordered. 

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

E. D. BAKER, 
Colonel commanding brigade. 
Colonel T. G. Morehead. 

In compliance with the above instructions, orders were issued 
and details sent out to bring all absentees to camp without delay ; 
those in camp were not permitted to leave except on duty, and all 
hands were hard at work packing. Arrangements were complet- 
ed, and the Regiment broke camp at Bull's Head, West Philadel- 
phia, at 9 o'clock on the evening of Monday, September 30th, 
1 86 1, and took up its first line of march to the Baltimore depot. 
Broad and Prime streets, via Market street to Eighteenth, to 
Chestnut, down Chestnut to Broad, down Broad to the depot. A 
perfect ovation greeted us along the whole route, the people on 
the sidewalks cheering and applauding as we passed, the excite- 
ment increasing as we reached the depot, the crowd already there 
greatly augmented by the throng that accompanied us on the 



6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

pavements. Mothers embracing;- their boys, wives and children 
their husbands and fathers, and the more subdued, yet as affecting, 
lovers' good-bye, all tended to sadly impress those participating. 
Amid intense excitement we were placed in the cars and at one 
o'clock, with cheer after cheer breaking the stillness of midnight, 
the train started on its way, bearing another detachment of our 
country's defenders, who were severing the closest ties that bind 
man to earth, to die, if need be, "that our flag should remain un- 
sullied and our country undivided". Many were there who clasp- 
ed the hands of their loved ones then for the last time, as they did 
die in defense of their country or were stricken down by disease 
that hurried many a brave man into an untimely grave. 

Havre-de-Grace was not reached until five o'clock, and three 
more hours were consumed before we arrived at Baltimore ; it 
was eight o'clock when we steamed slowly into the depot ; we were 
glad to obey the order to "fall in", and the march through the 
streets to the Washington depot was quite a relief. After par- 
taking of the breakfast furnished us, we were packed like cattle 
into dirty cattle cars, with rough pine boards fastened to the 
slats, arranged for seats, and nearly a third more men packed 
into each car than the improvised seats would accommodate. We 
thus experienced our first army hardship, for we really thought 
then it was hardship, little dreaming that before we would again 
pass over that road we would be called upon to endure many 
real hardships, trials and privations. Yet it was hard to stand 
packed for six long hours in those not only uncomfortable, but 
dirty and offensive, cars, as we left Baltimore at eleven o'clock and 
did not arrive at Washington until five o'clock. Many were the 
anathemas hurled at the railroad authorities who could provide 
no better means of transportation for men loyal enough to for- 
sake home, family and friends, to defend their country against 
treason ; little did we know then that they were doing all they 
possibly could, so great was the demand made upon them. As 
stated above it was five o'clock in the afternoon of October ist, 
when we arrived in Washington, and how glad we were to leave 
the cars and relieve our cramped bodies ! We were marched by 
companies into the "Soldier's Retreat" for supper, so tired, so 
hungry, and what awaited us ? No soldier who stood around that 



1861] TO THE FRONT 7 

dirty, greasy pine table, extending the full length of that long 
dingy room, will ever forget that meal. Buckets, that had held 
soup for the previous meal, without much time or care taken for 
cleaning them, containing the coffee for this one, with grease 
swimming on top, were set in the middle of the table, about ten 
feet apart ; a large hunk of boiled salt beef, or as we afterwards 
knezv it "salt horse", put on another large hunk of bread, the fat 
and liquor of one completely saturating the other, and set on 
the table alongside of a tin cup at such intervals as to designate 
the place for each man to stand, this was our supper, and though 
hungry from a long fast, with appetite sharpened by a long ride, 
that supper remained untouched, and the writer marched out with 
his company, still a hungry boy. We were quartered for the 
night in the large buildings on the ground adjoining the Capitol 
ground on the east, built for the accommodation of troops. 

The next afternoon, October 2d, the line was re-formed, and we 
marched to and up Pennsylvania Avenue to Seventh, and out 
Seventh street about two and a half miles and camped. The next 
day we marched to Rockville, and camped near there for the 
night, and on the following day, October 4th, marched to and 
beyond Darnestown, passing camps of troops all the way, and 
among them, about dinner time, the camp of the Twenty-Ninth 
Pennsylvania, Colonel John K. Murphy. A halt being made, 
many of us accepted the hospitalities of the members of the 
Twenty-Ninth and took dinner with them, some of our men 
meeting friends among them. On the next day, October 5th, 
we started at daylight and soon arrived at Poolesville, Montgomery 
County, Maryland, and reported to General Charles P. Stone, 
commanding the division to which our brigade was assigned. 
The General reviewed us and sent an aide to conduct us to our 
brigade camp about five miles from Poolesville, reporting to 
Colonel Baker. We found the First California and the Fire 
Zouave Regiments of our brigade already encamped, and on the 
next day Owen's Irish Regiment arrived and the brigade was 
complete. Our Regiment camped on a high elevation of ground 
from which we could see the batteries of the enemy on the other 
side of the Potomac ; the adjoining field was occupied by the 
Zouaves. 



8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

We were soon at work putting up our tents, making ourselves 
comfortable, and preparing for camp life. Compan}' A, Captain 
John J. Sperry, here joined us; they had been temporarily as- 
signed to, and known as, Company S, of the First California 
Regiment, having left Philadelphia early in September to join 
that Regiment and then stationed at Washington, and went with 
it to Chain Bridge, and then to "Camp Advance" in Virginia. 
They participated with that Regiment in the skirmish of the 
movement of General W. F. Smith towards Drainsville, and were 
now assigned to and made part of our Regiment. 



18G1] BALL'S BLUFF 



CHAPTER III. 

ball's bluff. 

ALL will remember our first camp. How hard we tried to 
accustom ourselves to the limited accommodations of camp 
life, and the scarcity of what seemed to us necessities for one's 
existence, and yet how soon we became reconciled and accepted 
the inevitable. 

Drill and instruction, with camp guard and picket duty, kept all 
pretty well occupied ; the great difficulty then experienced by some 
of the officers was to get their men to understand what was requir- 
ed of a soldier, to acquire proficiency in drill and to submit to disci- 
pline, can now be readily understood and appreciated, but then 
it was hard, and while the officers labored hard, the men sometimes 
thought they were imposed upon and that they would never be 
able to stand it, yet after each hour's drill, or the end of a tour 
of guard or picket duty, all was soon forgotten, and the next time 
we were more ready, and stood it better and felt that in time we 
could be good soldiers. Guard duty was performed by com- 
panies, each company taking its turn, and two companies at a 
time were sent out on picket. 

Nothing unusual or out of the ordinary routine of camp life 
occurred until about midnight of October 20th when the long roll 
was sounded and all was commotion, and excitement, men were 
hurried into line in the company streets ; some excited and alarm- 
ed, trying to do everything and doing nothing; others, cool and 
collected, were carefully equipping themselves, examining their 
arms and equipments, and assisting others to get ready. After 
remaining in line some time we were quietly dismissed without 
any satisfactory cause for the alarm, and we were making up 
our minds that it was a false alarm and only given that they 
might see how quickly the men could be put under arms, when 
orders were received to get ready to march at short notice. 



10 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

Breakfast was soon disposed of, and at six o'clock we left camp 
and marched to the brigade parade ground, where we were soon 
joined by the Sixty-Ninth and Seventy-Second Regiments, stack- 
ed arms and awaited orders from Colonel Baker, who had gone 
to the front with the Seventy-First Regiment about four o'clock; 
long hours of anxiety and suspense passed, all sorts of rumors 
were afloat, until finally, about three o'clock in the afternoon, 
the assembly was sounded, line re-formed, and the Brigade moved 
oflf at a rapid pace, the Seventy-Second leading, then the Sixty- 
Ninth, and our Regiment bringing up the rear. After over an 
hour's rapid marching we arrived at the canal and crossed on 
an impromptu bridge formed by canal boats, and marched down 
the tow-path to the ferry, where the troops were crossing over to 
Harrison's Island ; here a deplorable state of affairs was visible ; 
two large scows capable of holding about thirty men each were 
the only means of transportation to the Island, and part of the 
men were kept busy bailing out the water and others in pushing 
them across ; from the Island to the Virginia shore a ferry boat 
that would hold about sixty was the only means of reaching the 
mainland. All the morning from daylight had been consumed 
in crossing about one-half of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, a 
detachment of two hundred of the Twentieth Massachusetts and 
the right wing of the California Regiment, or Seventy-First 
Pennsylvania, the troops as fast as they landed were pushed for- 
ward, and soon met the enemy who disputed their further ad- 
vance and the fight was on, the firing could be distinctly heard 
from our position, and as each load of reinforcements was taken 
over, a load of wounded was brought back, together with the 
conflicting reports as to the results, which were eagerly sought 
by us, waiting to be ushered into our first fight. One detachment 
would report our men driving them, another that the enemy had 
been reinforced and was driving our men back ; again that we 
had recovered lost ground and again driving them. The sound 
of the battle was distinctly heard, and though we were anxious to 
go to their assistance we were unable to cross for want of means 
of transportation, and so were compelled to remain inactive 
between the river and canal. 

About 5 o'clock a report was received of the death of General 



1861] BALL'S BLUFF 11 

Baker, for he had just been appointed Major-General of Volun- 
teers by President Lincoln and the order was found in his hat 
after his death, saturated with his life's blood. He was in- 
stantly killed, with sword in hand, while gallantly leading his men ; 
this was followed by the news that our men were completely 
routed after gallantly repulsing the enemy three different times 
and making a gallant charge to attempt the capture of their bat- 
tery, they being compelled to give battle on very unfavorable 
ground, being an open field surrounded by woods in which the 
enemy were concealed. Large reinforcements for the enemy 
had arrived from Leesburg and they greatly outnumbered our 
men who, with their leader killed and no chance of any support 
reaching them, were making for the shore as rapidly as possible 
over the open field, subjected to a terrible fire from the concealed 
enemy. Here matters became worse, for the retreat was follow- 
ed closely by the now victorious enemy, all further escape was cut 
off, the only conveyance from the Virginia shore to the Island, 
the ferry boat, had been sunk with a load of wounded, nearly all 
of whom were drowned. There was no escape for our brave men, 
who had stood up so manfully, they were either to fall into the 
hands of the enemy or jump into the river and try to make our 
shore ; many therefore surrendered and became prisoners of war 
and others plunged into the river and tried to reach the Island. 
Many of these never reached there, but were drowned, or shot by 
the enemy, who now thronged the banks and unmercifully fired 
into our men while in the water ; many of their shots coming 
over to where the rest of the Brigade was, we were therefore 
compelled to withdraw very quietly so as not to attract their fire, 
as they could have done us great damage, especially with their 
artillery. In a drenching rain we returned to camp, arriving there 
about midnight. 

The loss of General Baker cast a gloom over the Brigade. The 
short time that he had been with us endeared him to us and had 
gained him the title of "Father Baker". Many were the expres- 
sions of sorrow and regret, which were in some measure over- 
come by the gallantry of his death, and the country lost one of 
its most gifted orators, an eminent statesman and one who would 
no doubt have become one of its most gallant soldiers. Our loss 



12 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

was very heavy indeed, for the small force engaged. Colonel 
Wistar was wounded three times ; Captains Markoe and Keiff er 
wounded ; Captain Otter kill or drowned in trying to recross 
and Lieutenant Williams killed ; all of the First California, or 
Seventy-First Pennsylvania. Of the five hundred and twenty 
men that crossed over, three hundred and twelve were lost. 
The other regiments also suffered very heavily. We lost two 
pieces of artillery, but no colors. It may be well to add here 
that the Color-Sergeants of the California Regiment, Sergeant 

Charles Vanzant and seeing the danger that threatened 

their colors, to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy, 
plunged with them into the river, but finding their strength 
giving out, to save themselves finally threw them away, and both 
colors were lost, never to be recovered. 

Our first engagement did not cease to be a matter of comment 
for a long time. Its loss was keenly felt by all and many were 
the uncomplimentary remarks heard on all sides against those who 
either planned or attempted to carry out such a movement, 
especially with the limited means of transportation at hand. General 
Charles P. Stone, commanding the Division, received most of the 
censure. I certainly think he was largely to blame. He was pre- 
sent and saw that it was impossible to cross any number of troops 
in any kind of reasonable time, and if any accident should happen 
to any of the boats used in transportation, with no others to replace 
them, all communication would be lost and retreat cut off. That 
such an accident did happen, with such fearful results, is seen 
above; instead of leaving such a small detachment without the 
means of rapidly reinforcing them, it would have been better- to 
have withdrawn them at once and left the battle vmfought, than 
to have left them with that fearful possibility staring them in the 
face, to be driven like sheep into the river to be drowned, after 
bravely fighting at such disadvantage, with such heavy loss. He 
certainly must have known that the enemy had the facilities of 
rapidly reinforcing their troops to a much greater extent in a 
much quicker time and that, sooner or later, we must suffer defeat. 

Colonel Banes, in his "History of the Philadelphia Brigade", 
states that the following letter was found on the body of General 
Baker after his death : 



1861] BALL'S BLUFF , 13 

"Headquarters Corps of [Here a bullet struck, and a word missing.] 

Edwards' Ferry, October 21st, 1861. 
Colonel E. D. Baker, Commander of Brigade. 

Colonel : — In case of heavy firing in front of Harrison's Island, 
you will advance the California Regiment of your Brigade, or re- 
tire the regiments under Colonels Lee and Devens, now on the 
(almost illegible by blood) Virginia side of the river, at your dis- 
cretion, assuming command on arrival. 

Very respectfully Colonel, your obedient servant, 

Chas. p. Stone, 
Brigadier General Commanding. 

and continues as follows : 

Heavy firing was heard, and Colonel Baker decided to reinforce 
Devens. Leaving instructions to forward the artillery as quickly as 
possible, he hastened over to the Virginia side and, assuming com- 
mand, began to make the dispositions. Companies A and D, 
under Captain Markoe, were sent forward on the left as skirmish- 
ers, to ascertain the position of the enemy's right flank. They had 
advanced but a short distance when they came suddenly on the 
right of his line of battle concealed in a dense wood, and were at 
once hotly engaged. The action thus brought on soon became gen- 
eral. The ground on which Baker's forces were compelled to 
give battle was very unfavorable for them. It was an open field — 
a sort of oblong square, the length running at right angles with 
the river — bordered on three sides by a dense forest, and termin- 
ating on the fourth at the brow of a high bluff on the shore. 

This would seem to show that General Stone had placed the 
whole responsibility upon Colonel Baker and given him discre- 
tionary power either to advance reinforcements or retire the 
whole force, and that Colonel Baker had assumed the respon- 
sibility and decided to reinforce and advance. Be that as it 
may, General Stone zvas in command of that advance, and murt 
have known that the troops would have to return, and provision 
should have been made to provide a safe means of retreat, and if 
none could have been provided, no advance ought to have been 
made ; he should not have yielded to the impetuosity of his inferior 
officers by attempting to do battle wdth no chance of support and 
no way of retreat ; granting that the boat had not been sunk, what 
chancd was there of recrossing about 1500 men if pressed rapidly 



14 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

and closely to the water edge, when the most that could be got 
into the boat was about loo, and over half an hour consumed 
in making a trip from shore to island, and back for another load. 
Yet General Stone had telegraphed to General McClellan : "I 
have the means of crossing 125 men once in ten minutes at each 
of the two points." 

One cannot but feel that General Stone was responsible and 
to blame ; this feeling was entertained by nearly all the command ; 
their confidence in him as a leader was gone, so that had he been 
retained in command, demoralization would have been the result. 

The left wing of the First California Regiment was on detach- 
ed service and was not at the battle, and those that were left of 
the right wing were sent to join them on the 26th, where they 
remained until the evening of the 30th, when they returned and 
joined the Brigade. 





iojUTAM- Fekdinam) M. Pleis. 
>8, 1861. Aug. 2, 1863. 

ndcd at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 2, 1863. Wounds 



Adjutant John A. Steel. 

.'^.ug. 13, 1861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant, Company C. 

Promoted to First Lieut., Company B, Sept. 17, 18 

Promoted to Adjutant, Aug. 15, 1863. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862, 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va,, Dec. 13. 1862, 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. 

Mustered out with Regiment, Sept. 10, 1864. 



REGIMENTAL STAFF. 





SSISTANT SUKGEON PhILIP LeIDY. 

1, 1861. Sept. 6, 1862. 

Discharged by G. O., Sept. 6, 1862. 



Assistant Surceon H. D. McLean. 

Nov. 5, 1862. Dec. 5, 1863, 

Discharged by G. O. Dec. 5, 1863. 



1861] WINTER QUARTERS 15 



CHAPTER IV. 

WINTER QUARTERS. 

THE loss of General Baker was long felt. All spoke of him 
with affection and admiration ; pictures of him were eager- 
ly sought: many were sent home to family and friends that they 
might sympathize with us and have some idea of the man whose 
death we mourned : small pictures and medals, arranged as badges 
were worn by many of the men for a long time, thus showing 
their loyalty to their brave old commander, whom we would 
cheerfully have followed wherever duty called. His successor 
was soon appointed, and in ten days, that is on October 31st, 
Brigadier General William W. Burns, of the Regular Army, 
arrived and took command. He at once instituted rigid dis- 
cipline, holding both officers and men to a strict accountability for 
the prompt and proper discharge of all the duties of a soldier, 
omitting not the slightest particular. This tended to make him 
extremely unpopular at first, but as time passed we better under- 
stood him, and the immense value of such training ; and before 
the first campaign was over he became very popular, in fact quite 
a favorite, equally admired with Baker. 

He was always on the watch to detect and punish either officer 
or man for neglecting or slighting their duty, and an instance 
occurred in our regiment which so impressed the men that they 
never forgot it. As he was crossing the guard line into our camp, 
Private Collum, of Company E, was walking from him with his 
gun on his shoulder ; the general slipped up behind him, snatched 
the gun from his shoulder, read the man a lecture on his duty 
while on guard, told him to call the corporal, then sent for the 
officer of the guard and had Collum put in the guard house and 
kept him there three days. 

On November 4th, our Regiment moved camp from the open 
field on the top of the hill over beyond a large wood which would 
shelter us somewhat from the wind and storm, also take us from 
sight of the enemy, as our former camp was plainly visible to 



16 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

them from the other side of the river and I beHeve in range, so 
that they could have troubled us w^ith their long-range guns had 
they been so disposed. 

We were now to go into "winter quarters", and all that could 
be done to make us comfortable was attempted. Large Sibley 
tents with stoves were issued in place of the little "A" tents, and 
about 20 men assigned to a tent wath plenty of straw to sleep on ; 
extra blankets were issued, bake ovens built to supply us with 
fresh bread, and when the first issue was made how we enjoyed 
it — many ate their whole day's ration at one meal, but by-and-by 
they could not eat their allowance in a day. Other rations were 
plenty, and now that we had become reconciled to army fare, we 
enjoyed it. Clothing was scarce the early part of the winter, 
but was soon supplied. A thorough inspection of our uniform 
and underclothing revealed the fact that new and better was 
needed. Newspapers were plenty, sent by mail or brought into 
camp for sale ; letters were received and sent. We were there- 
fore kept posted as to how things were at home and the latest war 
news from the front, and many were the rumors set afloat concern- 
ing ourselves: at one time we were to join Burnside in his expedi- 
tion south, at another time we were sure to go to Harper's Ferry 
to relieve Geary, and still another to go to Washington for provost 
guard duty, and many other similar reports. Each was positive in- 
formation from a reliable source, but each in turn was found to be 
very unreliable, and the anxiety first occasioned as each fresh 
report started soon quieted down ; the frequency of the reports 
and their failure of fulfilment made them finally lose their effect, 
and they received the appropriate name of "chin music". 

The regular routine of camp life was now fully carried out ; 
squad, company and battalion drills, dress parade, inspection, and 
the still sterner duty of guard and picket. Many were the at- 
tempts made to get excused from this latter, including the ready 
response to the "doctor's" or "sick call", often without avail. 
Each company was detailed in a body for guard and picket duty, 
the turn for guard comiftg about once a week, and picket about 
every month or six weeks, two companies going at a time, when 
they remained for seven days. Our position was on the Potomac, 
in the neighborhood of Conrad's Ferry. 



1861] WINTER QUARTERS 17 

The vigilance required during the night while on picket, 
knowing the enemy to be near, was a strain on the nerves of some 
of the men, causing them to imagine almost anything. A private 
of Company C thought he heard one of the corporals concocting 
a plan to shoot him while on his post, and say it was done by the 
enemy. This so worked upon him that he could not stay on his 
post, but left it and came back to the camp fire with fear plainly 
depicted upon his countenance, and no amount of persuasion from 
the men, or threats from the officers, could induce him to return ; 
he constantly watched every movement of that corporal during 
the balance of that night, and in the morning it was found that 
his hair, which had been black as the raven's wing, was consider- 
ably mixed with gray, owing to the fright of that night. Captain 
Allen sent him to the hospital for treatment, but after close ex- 
amination he was returned to duty, and subsequently did his duty 
well until the battle of Savage Station, when he left the line 
through fear, but afterward returned. He was subsequently wound- 
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and discharged on 
account of same. 

The main trou1)le that we had was the want of money ; we had 
been away from home now over two months, and yet there was 
no sign of "pay-day". Men were in need of things that "Uncle 
Sam" did not provide, or the sutler (with his accommodating 
smile and ready reply, when asked what he had, "I got ebery ting 
vat de boys like") did not have. Families at home were appealed 
to and responded, again appealed to, and again as generously 
responded. Other families were in need of the pay of their head, 
who had left them for the army, and their calls were frequent and 
urgent ; yet no pay came. Many w^ere the complaints, and yet 
no relief ; nor could any information be gained as to when the 
relief would come, or the cause of delay, except that there was 
some irregularity. 

Colonel Banes states that "this delay in settlement arose from 
a misunderstanding between the State authorities and the War 
Department concerning the muster of the regiments, and was 
finally settled by the issue of an order 'that the muster of the regi- 
ments of Baker's brigade, although irregular, is hereby authorized 
and approved' ". Finally, on December 6th, the paymaster made 



18 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

his appearance, and we were paid off, but only for September, 
October, and the few days of August. This was a relief, and 
made us happy, as we knew that the matter now was settled, and, 
as the first payment had been made, we would soon get another. 

The men were now enabled to get some luxuries, as we then 
felt them to be, and frequent visits were made to the neighboring 
farm-houses for chickens, turkeys, pies and cakes, besides enjoy- 
ing many a full dinner prepared for us by appointment. Some 
of the more enterprising farmers prepared their articles and 
brought them into camp, and found ready sale to both officers 
and men, and, thus encouraged, made a regular business of it. 
Sometimes they would suffer from the desire of some to get 
more than they paid for ; an appeal to the Colonel would neces- 
sitate a search, and if the guilty party were found he was sure 
of being punished. Sometimes the company officers would settle, 
and the matter be dropped, but if caught again, the delinquent 
would have to suffer the disgrace of being compelled to march 
under guard with a placard on his back, marked "Thief". 

In Company H was a musician named Sullivan, who, from his 
pugnacious disposition, had been nicknamed "Yankee Sullivan". 
He had a propensity of getting more than belonged to him, and 
one day pulled the wool over the eyes of an old farmer who had 
brought, among other things, a fine large roasted turkey, which 
fascinated Sullivan, who, after inquiring the price, said he would 
take it, and went to his tent for his money, taking the turkey with 
him. The old man waited and waited, but Sullivan did not come 
back. It must be remembered that these people were not allowed 
inside the guard line, nor the members of the Regiment outside 
without a pass ; so that most all the trading had to be done at the 
line. After waiting a long while the farmer went around to the 
guard house and made complaint to the officer of the guard, who 
conducted him to the Colonel, who, upon hearing the old man's 
story, at once ordered a search to be made, which resulted in 
finding the turkey in Sullivan's tent ; he, upon being questioned, 
insisted that he had received it in his box from home, but on 
inquiry it was found he had received no box, and was confronted 
by the old man, who identified him and the turkey. Sullivan was 
compelled to pay the old man for the turkey, was then taken to 



1861] WINTER QUARTERS 19 

the guard house, and compelled to march up and down in front 
of it under guard for two or three days with the turkey tied to 
his back. That was bad turkey for Sullivan, for it never left him ; 
ever after he was called "Turkey". This, at first, he was dispos- 
ed to resent, but found it no use, and had to swallow his morti- 
fication. 

There were other modes of punishment that were frequently 
put in use for those requiring it ; among them one was to compel 
the prisoner to ride the "horse", which was a log of wood, raised 
about six feet from the ground, resting on two forks driven into 
the ground, on which the men were to sit straddle for hours at 
a time; another was to "carry the knapsack", that is, to be com- 
pelled to march up and down all day with a knapsack strapped to 
the back containing about thirty or forty pounds of stones ; at 
other times to carry a heavy log of wood on the shoulders, etc. 

There was an addition to the staff of the Regiment, of a Chaplain 
by the name of Rev. William Harris, an estimable gentleman. 
On December 9th he preached his first sermon, and regularly 
every Sabbath afterwards. He was very much liked indeed, and 
had with him quite a library of books, which he loaned freely. He 
was of much service to the men, assisting them to get their money 
home to their families after each pay-day, besides rendering 
spiritual consolation to those members of the Regiment who were 
religiously inclined, and I am pleased to record that there were 
many. 

The health of the Regiment during our camp at Poolesville was 
unexceptionably good. In the official report of the Medical 
Director of the Army of the Potomac he states that of the total 
membership of the Regiment — 1036 — but fifteen were sick either 
in camp or general hospital, that being the lowest percentage of 
any regiment in the service, with three exceptions. 

Many of the men were made the happy recipients, from time to 
time, of boxes from the loved ones at home, filled as only loving 
hearts and willing hands could fill them, with just what was want- 
ed: the outer man provided for with good warm underclothing, 
stockings, gloves and boots, and the inner man with roast turkeys, 
chickens, home-made bread, cake and pies, pickles and preserves, 
which, with some, were generously shared with their tent-mates 



20 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1861 

and friends. But there were exceptions to this generosity ; one 
case occurred in our tent. Several of us had received, at differ- 
ent times, our boxes, and had generously shared their contents 
with our tent-mates, when one, a little Englishman, now residing 
at Frankford. received a box after all of ours had been disposed of, 
and we were again ready for a little change from "Uncle Sam's" 
fare. He brought it into the tent, opened it, examined all that 
was in it, closed it up and put it up at the head of his bed. At 
each meal he would dive into the box, take out some of the good 
things, eat what he could, and put the rest back, never once offer- 
ing the smallest particle to any one of us who were eating our plain 
government fare at his side, not even to those whose generosity 
he had shared, as he refused nothing. This went on for two 
days. On the third day "Johnny" went on guard, and when he 
came in to dinner he went to his box, and lo! it was empty; not 
a vestige of anything was left. The scene that followed may be 
imagined. Nobody knew anything about it, nor was anything 
ever found out about it. although the captain was appealed to and 
all hands questioned ; "mum" was the word with all. The writer 
received a box, sent by some of those good lady friends who were 
always working for the soldiers, containing a large number of 
cloth gloves which were distributed among the members of the 
company, and many times were those dear ones at home blessed 
for the comfort they gave during the cold days and nights while 
on duty. These boxes frequently contained more than enumerated 
above, that which nearly every soldier longs for — "whiskey". A 
bottle would quite often be found among the contents, but these 
got to be so numerous, and their effects so visible, that an order 
was issued that all boxes would be opened, and, if found to con- 
tain whiskey, the box and contents would be confiscated. This 
was finally changed, so that only the whiskey would be confiscat- 
ed. This led to more care, and many were the devices planned 
to smuggle it in, for some men would have their whiskey if they 
got nothing else. It was put up as canned tomatoes and peaches, 
care being taken to preserve the labels ; bottles were put inside 
of roast turkey and nicely covered with filling; large loaves of 
bread, when nearly done, had the top lifted carefully, the inside 
scooped out, the bottle nicely put in, and top put back into place. 



1862] WINTER QUARTERS 21 

Large cakes were served the same way, illustrating the old saying 
that, "where there is a will there is a way", so that the boys got 
their whiskey, notwithstanding the prying eyes of the officers. 

As has been stated, our Regiment was known as the Fifth Cali- 
fornia Regiment, but the death of General Baker lost us that name, 
and Pennsylvania claimed the brigade as her troops, and we were, 
about the middle of November, designated as the One Hundred 
and Sixth Pennsylvania. 

In the early part of January a case of smallpox was discover- 
ed in camp ; with it came the scare that follows that loathsome 
disease, and nearly all hands were vaccinated immediately. 

On January loth. Colonel Morehead was presented with a hand- 
some sword, sash and belt by the officers and men of Company F. 
Adjutant Pleis brought it on from Philadelphia. Captain Clarke 
presented it to the Colonel on behalf of the company, and the 
Colonel received it, speaking in a very feeling manner, assuring 
the men of his determination to wear it with honor to them and 
himself. 

About this time extensive preparations were being made for 
another attempt to cross the Potomac. Large numbers of flat 
boats, capable of holding about thirty men each, were brought 
up the canal and held ready for use, our men were also busy 
and hard at work building a large fort near Conrad's Ferry. 
While so working, Private William Brown, of Company I 
was badly injured by a heavy log falling on him, breaking 
some of his ribs, and an ambulance had to be sent to take 
him to the hospital. With all these preparations came the 
usual reports of a move; each day was to bring the necessary 
orders, but each day passed and the orders did not come. 
On January 13th, Colonel Morehead went on to Harrisburg to 
secure more men and an additional company for the regiment 
and returned on the 29th. He had succeeded in getting a number 
of recruits and, having the company of sappers and miners pre- 
viously alluded to, assigned to the regiment as Company K. 

On the same day, "A Burial Association" was formed for the 
purpose of sending home the bodies of the members of the 
association who died, or were killed in action, and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Curry was elected President, Major Stover Vice-Presi- 



22 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

dent, Captain Allen Secretary, Corporal J. N. Radcliffe Re- 
cording Secretary, Chaplain Harris Treasurer. The members 
were to contribute so much as dues ($98.75 was paid in when the 
men were paid off in February), but the association died a natural 
death after being called upon to perform its sad duty for one 
member, and Private John Anderson, of Company H, who died 
February nth, 1862, was the first one sent home, to Canton, 
Bradford County, Pa., on February 12th. 

On the night of February ist. thirteen of the enemy deserted, 
came over into our lines, and gave themselves up. They were 
sent to General Burns's headquarters, who examined them and 
sent them to division headquarters. 

February 5th was pay day and we were again paid and made 
happy. 

On the 1 2th, on dress parade, we received the glorious news 
of the success of General Burnside's expedition in North Carolina, 
and after the reading of the order, the Colonel proposed three 
cheers for the "Union". They were given with a will, and quick- 
ly followed by three more for the army, then the navy, the flag. 
General Burns and Colonel Morehead, all hands giving themselves 
up to the enthusiasm of the hour. It was the first real good news 
we had received since our disaster at Ball's Bluff ; and the officers 
and men enjoyed it, the band played the "Star Spangled Banner" 
and "Yankee Doodle", and many of the men were hoarse from 
cheering. 

On the 14th, Captain Bartleson, of Company H, was presented 
with a handsome sword by his company. 

February 22nd, Washington's birthday, was celebrated in all 
the camps. Our Regiment was drawn up in line, and fired a 
national salute of thirty-four rounds by companies, each company 
constituting a round. A hollow square was then formed, and 
Major Stover read Washington's Farewell Address ; cheer after 
cheer was then given, and the band played the national airs. 

After the line was dismissed, Captain Achuff, of Company E, 
was presented with a handsome sword by his company. Major 
Stover making the presentation speech, and Captain Clarke, of 
Company F, received it on behalf of Captain Achuff. 



1862] THE ADVANCE 23 



CHAPTER V. 

IHE ADVANCE. 

THE time had now arrived for us to commence an active 
campaign ; we were now to give up our comfortable winter 
quarters, though the winter was not yet over, and to ex- 
perience the hardships, toils, privations and dangers of active 
service. 

On February 23d. orders were received to prepare to move at 
once. All hands at once set to work to make such disposition of 
our accumulated property as we could ; some things were packed 
in boxes and sent home, others destroyed, and those we thought 
we could not do without were packed in our knapsacks ; ammuni- 
tion was issued, each man receiving 40 rounds. 

At daylight of the 24th we were awakened by the booming of 
cannon, telling us that the advance was being made and contested. 
As we did not get marching orders, the work of packing and 
destruction w^as still continued ; letters were hastily written home, 
telling our families and friends that we were at last to start on 
an active campaign, glad to give up the monotony of camp life. 

February 25th. All excitement and commotion, tents all dis- 
appeared, and our once beautiful camp, that had been our home 
so long, now presented the appearance of a deserted village ; yet 
there were few regrets as at 10 o'clock the line was formed, and 
we marched ofif, bidding farewell to "Camp Observation". All 
were glad that the dull monotonous routine of camp life and duty 
was to be replaced by the excitement and change of an active 
campaign, in which we would have an opportunity to test our 
mettle, and win a name for the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania. As we trudged over the steep and rugged sides of "Old 
Sugar Loaf Mountain", that had been so long visible from our 
camp the growl of the old soldier began, as he labored beneath 
his heavily-loaded knapsack, and many were the "unkind" remarks 
showered upon the innocent mountain that required such laborious 



24 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

efforts to "pass him by !" This, our first day's march, told on 
the men, and many were unable to keep up. After thirteen miles 
march we arrived at Adamstown. about 4 o'clock, near which we 
camped for the night. Here the comforts of our old quarters 
were sadly missed, but before we started again even some of 
those we had brought with vis were dispensed with, and so on 
from day to day ; men began to find out how little was really 
necessary, and that it was bad enough to be pack mules for what 
was indispensable and compulsory. This was our first night at 
really "camping out", and that in the middle of winter, with no 
tents ; nothing to sleep on but the gum blanket, six feet long, three 
feet wide, issued to us before leaving camp, and but a single 
blanket to cover us, so that we suffered very much with the cold. 

Next morning remained in camp, but at 2 o'clock in the after- 
noon again resumed the march to "Point of Rocks", where we 
were to take the cars for Harper's Ferry, but upon arriving there 
found that there were no cars there, so we were kept waiting until 
dark. In the meantime a heavy rain-storm set in which complete- 
ly drenched us, and when the cars did come, although we found 
them the same old cattle cars with their rough boards for seats, 
yet it was with pleasure that we sought their shelter, a decided 
contrast to what our feelings were when first called upon to ride 
in them on that first day from home, enroute to Washington, four 
months before. As soon as all were aboard we started and 
arrived at Sandy Hook about half past i o'clock, but received 
orders to remain in the cars until daylight, so tried to make our- 
selves comfortable and obtain what sleep the circumstances would 
permit in our wet and cold condition. 

February 27th. The sun, in all her brightness and warmth, 
welcomed us as we tumbled out of the cars about 6 o'clock in 
the morning, cramped and stiffened by the cold and crowded 
quarters. We were soon in line and marched to where two pon- 
toon bridges were thrown across the river, one for troops and the 
other for artillery and wagon trains. With the One Hundred and 
Sixth Regiment leading the column, we crossed the Potomac, 
landing on the "sacred soil of Virginia" about 8 o'clock, and with 
colors flying and band playing we marched through the town and 
were soon quartered in the empty houses, the Regiment being 



1862] THE ADVANCE 25 

retained as Provost Guard and Colonel Morehead appointed 
Provost Marshal. 

Part of the uniform of the Regiment consisted of high black 
felt hats with black feather plumes, and were worn with one side 
of the rim fastened up by a gilt eagle ; a gilt bugle ornamented the 
front ; these hats had never been much liked by the men and many 
were the attempts made to get rid of them, only to have a new one 
issued and the cost charged against the delinqvtent ; but, when 
about the head of the column was on the bridge, a hat was myster- 
iously seen to drop overboard ; soon another followed ; that was 
sufficient; the signal had been given, the opportunity was just 
what the men wanted, and it was astonishing to see how easily 
the light breeze, that hardly afifected the surface of the water, 
carried those hats overboard ; their number increased as each 
succeeding company stepped on the bridge, until they presented 
the appearance of a large flock of ducks or other water fowls 
quietly floating down stream, or as if an army had been swept 
overboard and lost, with nothing left to tell the tale but their 
Tiats. Notwithstanding the positive orders of the officers and 
their strenuous efforts to prevent it, the number of hats increased 
imtil the last company had landed. The two days' march and 
the night spent in the cars but increased the men's dislike to them, 
and some of those who had not taken advantage of the kindness of 
the breeze disposed of theirs in other ways until, upon coming on 
the first dress parade thereafter, so many were found missing that 
they were ordered to be abandoned. 

Our division was temporarily assigned to General Banks's com- 
mand, which was to force a crossing of the Potomac at Harper's 
Ferry and to push up the Shenandoah Valley to Winchester, and 
■during the next two days these troops, with their ammunition and 
supply trains, were continuously crossing. During that time we 
remained quiet, and the writer availed himself of the opportunity 
to take a run of the town, now deserted, many houses still con- 
taining the furniture, but the owners gone. A visit to what was 
the government buildings presented a deplorable sight ; the build- 
ings all burnt to the ground ; nothing but the blackened walls were 
standing. These buildings, together with a large quantity of 
stores, had been destroyed. We also visited the old Engine House 



26 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

made famous by John Brown, and occupied by him during his 
invasion of A'irginia in 1859 for the purpose of hberating the 
slaves, and in which he so long defended his life, and ever after- 
wards called "Fort John Brown". We looked through the same 
hole that he fired through, sang "John Brown's body lies mould- 
ering in the ground, but his soul goes marching on" ; and finally 
chipped from the window-sash pieces of wood to be sent home as 
relics. 

On Sunday, March 2d, we were compelled to give up our 
quarters in the houses, and were marched out to Bolivar Heights 
in a severe northeast snow-storm, where we were kept waiting 
over an hour before we received our tents and got them up. By 
that time the ground was covered nearly an inch deep, and the 
wind blowing so hard that great difficulty was experienced in 
putting up the same large Sibley tents that we had at Camp 
Observation. 

On the 3d, five companies. A, B, C, D and E, and two pieces 
of artillery, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel William' 
L. Curry, were ordered to take possession of Loudon Heights,, 
on the other side of the Shenandoah River. Leaving camp about 
8 o'clock, we marched back to the town, and the ferry — the old- 
style rope ferry — that is, a large rope stretched across the river, to- 
which is attached a large flat-bottomed boat by ropes and pulleys ; 
the boat is carried from one side to the other by the force of the 
current. As the boat would only hold about thirty men, nearly 
all day was consumed in crossing. Then we had to climb up that 
steep and slippery mountain, in a heavy northeast storm of snow 
and rain, the ground and trees being all coated with ice, which 
made it very hard ; but we had to go. We reached the top of 
Loudon Heights at last, and relieved a detachment of Geary's- 
Twenty-Eighth Pennsylvania. Here we were to stay, with no 
shelter but a few rude huts or sheds, made of logs and brush, that 
had been hastily put up by the "Twenty-Eighth". We w^ere glad, 
however, to seek their shelter, but in a few days sorry that we did, 
as, to our horror and disgust, we found that our predecessors had 
not taken away all that belonged to them, but left some of the huts 
well inhabited ; and it was here that many of us for the first time 
made the acquaintance of the "grayback", that subsequently stuck 



1862] THE ADVANCE 27 

SO close to us during our tramp through \^irginia ; neither intense 
heat nor bitter cold had any effect to shorten their existence or 
drive them away from us. 

There we stayed, exposed to that very inclement weather — 
snow, rain and cold ; the very clouds descending and enveloping 
us — with such limited accommodations, and a scarcity of provi- 
sions, and tried to realize that our patriotism required us to faith- 
fully serve our country under such distressing circumstances, 
and be content. 

When the weather cleared, we were afiforded one of the finest 
views of the country, and those of us who saw it will never forget 
it. Standing on that high mountain, we saw the beautiful 
Potomac coming down from the north, and the Shenandoah from 
the south, as though cutting their way through the steep moun- 
tain ; here uniting together and running off to the east and south. 
At the point where these two rivers join. Harper's Ferry is built 
on a high hill, but from our point of view looked very low ; a 
little farther west is the town of Bolivar and, beyond that, Bolivar 
Heights; the Charlestown Pike, "a good broad highway leading 
down", leading through one and past the other till lost in the 
distance, then lined with long trains of wagons, slowly moving 
along; others were parked in different places, as were also the 
many batteries of artillery ; the many camps of the large force of 
troops then concentrating there were dotted on plain and hillside 
as far as the eye could reach. Artillery, cavalry and infantry, 
with their rows upon rows of white tents, and large numbers of 
horses picketed in rows, companies and regiments, could be seen 
moving about in all directions as they were exercised in company 
and regimental drills and on dress parade, and the music of the 
different bands was gently wafted towards us. all indicating the 
great preparations for and the presence of war ;the beautiful Shen- 
andoah Valley now turned into a vast camping ground for that 
large army. Turning to the other side, an entirely different view- 
met our eye. Before us lay the beautiful and fertile Loudon 
Valley, which, if the season had been further advanced, would 
have been clothed in all her beauty of verdure, and flowers, fruit, 
and grain. There were now no signs of war on her peaceful 
plains ; all was quiet ; but when another spring-time came, she too 



28 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

had tasted the bitter draught of war, and her fertile fields were 
trodden down by the tramp of that same large army. Looking 
to the north, across the Potomac, Maryland Heights, in all their 
grandeur, loomed up before us, from whose top our flag floated 
in warning and defiance, and our guns sent their messengers of 
war over into the land now recovered and occupied by our troops. 
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with its branches, could be 
seen winding their way like large snakes around the base of the 
mountain, and like tender threads in the distance, and at our feet 
the long pontoon bridges stretched across the Potomac. And so 
the eye could wander from one beauty to another, distance lend- 
ing enchantment, and picture to ourselves what a beautiful sight 
it must be in spring-time and summer, when those valleys were 
clothed in all the beauty of green grass and ripening grain and 
fruit, and those hills covered with those massive trees in leaf. 

On the 7th, Banks' division pushed forward on the Winchester 
Pike beyond Charlestown ; a reconnoissance w^as made, and it was 
thought that the enemy would make a stand at Winchester. Gen- 
eral Sedgwick's division (that is our division) was then ordered 
forward. 

On the loth, the five companies of our Regiment were with- 
drawn from Loudon Heights, recros^ed the Shenandoah River, 
and joined the remainder of our Regiment at Harper's Ferry 
about 9 o'clock in the morning, raining all the time. Two com- 
panies, F and G, under command of Major Jno. H. Stover, were 
left behind as provost-guard at Harper's Ferry, with Captain 
Timothy Clark, of Company F, as Provost Marshal, Colonel 
Morehcad having been appointed Provisional Governor. The 
remainder marched with the division to Charlestown. a distance 
of twelve miles, arriving there about 4 o'clock, and camped for 
the night. 

On the nth. left camp about 8 o'clock, marched to Berryville, 
and camped about a mile and a half beyond, being then about nine 
miles from Winchester. 

We remained in camp on the 12th. Our Regiment was en- 
camped in a wood near the edge, opening into a large meadow, 
across which the men had to go for water to the well of a large 
mansion on a slight elevation beyond. The owner of this prop- 



1862] THE ADVANCE 29 

erty had not yet felt the ravages of war ; his stock of pouhry, 
hog's, sheep and cows remained untouched, and a guard was 
stationed at the house for their protection. We had been depriv- 
ed of these luxuries for some time and now looked on them with 
longing eyes. Strict orders had been received that no private 
property was to be molested, and we were tuo nczu soldiers to 
attempt their disobedience ; the guards were very quick in arrest- 
ing any one who attempted to disobey ; but notwithstanding their 
vigilance the more venturesome would slyly knock over a chicken 
or a duck, slip it under his coat and carry it into camp, only to 
tempt his comrades or divide among some of them enough to 
make them wish for more. Shortly after noon, while going 
across the meadow with some canteens for water, the writer saw 
some men chasing a nice little "porker" ; both men and ]:>ig seemed 
nearly exhausted, when I kindly ofifered my services to despatch 
"the critter" with my pistol, which I had provided myself with 
before leaving home, and with it sufficient ammunition to slaught- 
er hundreds of rebels, as I. in my boyish notion, fully expected 
to be called upon to do, and as fully expected to do : but up to 
this time it had not been aimed at any living thing except at an 
occasional rabbit while at Camp Observation, without doing the 
rabbit any harm. My offer was accepted, for they did not dare 
to use their guns, as their much louder reports would have at- 
tracted the attention of the guards. The first shot on the run 
did not stop him, but after a short chase he stopped for breath, 
and quietly closing up on him at very short distance, with the 
next shot I brought him down. I immediately rushed upon him, 
and with a penknife cut his throat, and looking up, feeling well 
satisfied with my own skill, was surprised to see my comrades, to 
whose assistance I had so generously come, making for the near- 
est fence on a full run, and on turning around found myself in 
the hands of the Provost Guard, who greeted me with, "You 
young rascal ; we have got you now, and we will make short work 
of you." With fear my eyes were as big as saucers, and my 
tongue silent, the blood of the pig still dripping from my hands. 
Just then the officer came up, who surveyed first the pig and then 
me, and asked what I had to say for myself: if I had not heard 
the orders forbidding such things, and that the penalty for dis- 



30 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

obedience of orders was death, no doubt enjoying my frightened 
appearance. I did the best I could to get out of it by lying. I 
said I was going for water, pointing to the canteens, and that 
these men had killed the pig but had no knife to cut his throat 
and asked me for mine, (I had lost several knives since leaving 
home and had adopted the plan of fastening this one, with a long 
buckskin string, to the pocket of my pants), and not wishing to 
break the string (showing the knife and string), had volunteered 
to cut the pig's throat, which I was doing just as the guards 
came up, my pistol having been put away and concealed from 
view ; he questioned me very closely, and I was all the more posi- 
tive in my assertions of innocence. He finally released me with 
a lecture on obedience of orders, and a belief in the truth of my 
statement. The guards having gone after the running men, he 
went after them and I after the water. Upon my return I found 
that the men, having eluded the guards, had returned and dragged 
the pig to the corner of the fence and were hard at work cutting 
him to pieces, and rewarded me with one quarter of his pigship, 
as my share for helping them, which furnished me and my tent- 
mates with a good dinner and supper. 

This and similar success on the part of others urged on the more 
timid, and many were the successful charges made, until the lard- 
er of nearly every tent was replenished. Chickens, ducks and 
geese fell an easy prey to the "advancing hosts". Soon not one 
could be found ; then the remaining "porkers" were similarly dis- 
posed of, and finally the bee hives were carried to camp, their in- 
mates smoked out, and the honey added to the bill of fare for that 
night's supper and next morning's breakfast. It seemed to me 
that as soldiers men became as children, and thought it no harm 
to help one's self, or in other words to steal anything to eat ; and 
as soldiers, did many things which, if they were at home, they 
would never think of doing. 

On the 13th we started for Winchester. The booming of the 
artillery of the day before impressed us with the belief that a 
battle was impending; that our services were needed, and we 
should become engaged with the enemy at last. After a march 
of six miles the column was halted, orders were countermanded, 
we "about faced", and returned to our camp at Berryville. 



1862] THE ADVANCE 31 

"Stonewall Jackson", with his forces, having retired from Win- 
chester, General Banks, no longer required the services of Sedg- 
wick's Division. It was ordered to rejoin the corps, and early 
the next morning, March 14th, broke camp and marched back 
to Charlestown, camped on our former camping ground, and 
on the 15th returned to our camp at Bolivar Heights, picking up, 
as we passed through Charlestown, the detachment of the brigade 
that had been left there to guard the town. As on the occasion 
of our first encampment on Bolivar Heights when we suffered the 
inconvenience of a snow storm, so again we came into camp in 
a bad northeast storm ; this time rain, and again had to wait over 
an hour for the tents, and then pitch them on muddy ground. 

General Burns, our brigade commander, speaking of this move- 
ment, said : 

This brigade had barely two months of drill and discipline after 
the demoralizing effects of Ball's Blufif, when winter set in, pre- 
cluding exercise of muscle or morals, both thereby becoming re- 
laxed, when in midwinter, February, the ill-judged campaign across 
the Potomac, at Harper's Ferry, to open the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, was ordered, in snow, rain and mud, without shelter 
or supplies, not for a military purpose, but for a civil advantage 
to monopoly, against the protest of General McClellan. Burns' 
Brigade lost in confidence and morale most of the good of the 
two months' discipline, blighting the self-reliance and ambition 
which go to make the true soldier ; to overcome such influence and 
march to victory was the crown of self-abnegating duty. 

The men seemed demoralized, yet they cheerfully did their 
duty; time had gradually effaced the effects of Ball's Bluff to 
now give place to that equally disheartening, and the discourage- 
ment was such as to impress them with the belief that their lead- 
ers did not know their own minds. Is it any wonder that men 
lost confidence? 

It was while we were lying at Bolivar Heights that the order 
of the President, dated March 8th, 1862, dividing the Army of the 
Potomac in four corps, was carried into effect. The corps, de- 
signated the First, Second, Third and Fourth, were commanded 
respectively by Generals McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman and 
Keyes, and Banks' command was designated as the Fifth Corps. 



32 THE OXE HUXDRED AXD SIXTH REGIMEXT [1862 

Under this new formation we formed a part of the Second 
Division, Second Army Corps, the corps commanded by Major- 
General Edwin \'. Sumner, and our division commanded by 
Brigadier General John Sedg^vick, both oflEicers of the regular 
army and graduates of West Point ; the First Di\'ision of the 
corps, commanded by General Isaac B. Richardson, the Third 
Division by General Louis Blenker, this division was subsequent- 
ly detached and assigned to the Mountain Department. 





Skrgeant-Major James D. Tyler. 
:. 26, 1861. Aug. 26, 18 

As Private, Company D. 

moted to Sergeant-Major. March i, 18 

Mustered out Aug. 26, 1864. 



Sergeant-M.\jor William H. Neiler. 

Sept. 2, i£6i. Sept. 2, 1864. 

As Corporal. Company C. 

Promoted to Sergeant, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Promoted to First Sergeant, Jan. i, 1864. 

Promoted to Sergeant-Major. May 1, 1864. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 186: 

Mustered out Sept. 2, 1864. 



NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 




Drum-Ma;cik Lkwi:^ \\ . Gkantier. 
Feb. 28, 1862. Feb. 28. 1865. 

As Musician, Company K. 

Promoted to Principal Musician, Nov. i, 1863. 

Mustered out, Feb. 28, 1865. 



18621 VORKTOJVN 33 



CHAPTER VI. 

YORKTOWN, 

WE remained in camp on Bolivar Heights for one week, and 
on Sunday, March 23d, started to join our corps in its ad- 
vance on Richmond, via Fort Monroe and Yorktown. 
We were then known as the Second, or Philadelphia Brigade. 
We broke camp about 9 o'clock, marched to Harper's Ferry and 
recrossed the Potomac river on the pontoon bridge to Maryland 
and marched to Sandy Hook ; here another long wait occurred 
of four hours before the cars came which were to take us to 
Washington ; three hours more were consumed in loading and 
boarding the train, so that the whole day had passed and it was 
6 o'clock before we got started and did not arrive in Washington 
until daylight, the whole night being consumed in running those 
fifty miles ; packed in cattle cars with few facilities for rest and so 
crowded as to prevent even the use of what facilities they afford- 
ed. We left the cars soon after arrival, marched up on to 
the street, stacked arms and rested ; hours passed away and yet 
no sign of anything to eat ; at 10 o'clock were ordered in line and 
marched up on Capitol Hill and encamped, then taken by com- 
panies down to the "Soldier's Retreat" for breakfast, or dinner 
it might be called if the time of day were taken into consideration, 
being about 11 o'clock; but being the first that we had that day, 
so it was our breakfast ; the same old salt tongue, chunks of bread 
and greasy coffee served up with all the grease and dirt of former 
occasions. During the day we received our own rations, and were 
able to serve them up in a more palatable manner. 

We remained in camp the next two days and were supplied with 
all the clothing and equipments that were needed, and many of us 
took advantage of the opportunity to see the sights in and around 
Washington, a limited number of passes being furnished. 

On March 27th, the reveille was sounded at 4 o'clock, and at 6 
o'clock we left camp, marching through the streets of Washing- 



34 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

ton to the Long Bridge, crossed once more into \ irginia, took 
the cars to Alexandria and camped for the night just outside of 
the city ; we here gave up our Sibley tents and were now to make 
our houses out of our rubber blankets, they being so made that 
they could be fastened together and made into a very small "A" 
tent. At 4 o'clock the next morning we were again awakened 
and after partaking of a hurried breakfast, marched into the 
city and began embarking on transports. Many vessels of all 
kinds were lying in front of the city prepared to transport the large 
army that was hereafter to be known as the "Army of the Po- 
tomac". Many had gone with their cargoes of living freight and 
returned for more, the first having started on March 17th with 
Heintzelman's Corps. Many were fast receiving theirs and others 
ready to be so loaded. This was one of the greatest undertak- 
ings of the war, to transport that large army of over one hundred 
thousand men, fifteen thousand horses, fifty batteries of artillery, 
together wath the large numbers of wagons, ambulances, pontoon 
trains and the necessary ammunition, provisions and stores, all 
to be transported by water. It fully demonstrated the resources 
of the government and the ability of its leaders. The official 
report states that there were transported to Fort Monroe 121,500 
men, 14,592 animals, 1,150 wagons, 44 batteries, 72 ambulances 
and other materials, all in thirty-five days; and that, with 113 
steamers, 188 schooners and 88 barges, at an average expense of 
$30,157 per day. 

Our Regiment embarked on the steamers "Naushon" and "Long 
Branch", and left Alexandria at 8 o'clock ; at 2 o'clock we passed 
Fort Washington ; at dark ran in towards shore and anchored for 
the night. At daylight we started again ; about i o'clock it 
commenced snowing and became so very foggy that the captain 
did not think it safe to run, so at 2 o'clock we ran in towards 
the shore and anchored : some of the men were permitted to take 
the small boats and go ashore to cook the rations for the men, as 
the arrangements for cooking them on the steamer were very 
limited and inconvenient ; others went after oysters and were 
successful in finding large quantities of them ; they were soon 
distributed and eaten with a relish. The next morning found us 
again on our way and at 11 o'clock at night we reached Fort 



1862] YORKTOWN 35 

Monroe. At daylight on the 31st, we moved up to the dock and 
began unloading, and marched out and encamped near Hampton. 

The large force now concentrating around here, with their im- 
mense quantity of supplies of every description, foretold a decisive 
campaign. The idea of a speedy termination of the war that had 
so impressed us at the beginning, and that a demonstration on the 
part of the North was all that was needed to bring the South to 
terms, was fast disappearing from our minds ; we began to realize 
that perhaps many hard contested battles would have to be fought, 
and that the whole summer would be needed to end the strife. 
That those in command fully realized what they had to combat 
was manifested in the preparation made by them during the long 
winter months. Every preparation was made with careful consid- 
eration and a determination to succeed. And that the command- 
ing general expected to succeed is shown in his subsequent report, 
in which he says ; 'T had hoped by rapid movement to drive before 
me or capture the enemy on the Peninsula, open the James river, 
and push on to Richmond before he should be materially rein- 
forced from other portions of his territory". That there might 
be no risk in having our supplies cut ofif, and to afiford an easy 
means of escape should it be necessary, "Fort Monroe" was select- 
ed as the base of operation : there could be no interruption with 
our source of supply ; it was easy of access to the large fleet of 
vessels necessary to transport the immense quantity of stores 
needed for so large a force, and under the protection of the large 
guns of the fort, both fleet and army could, if it were necessary, 
seek shelter and be protected. 

It was while lying in our winter quarters at Poolesville, Mary- 
land, that we heard the good news from here, of the success of 
Burnside's expedition against Roanoke Island, which he captured, 
with three thousand prisoners, a large number of guns and quanti- 
ty of war material. It was also near here only a few days before 
our arrival, that the rebel ram "Merrimac" had attacked and sunk 
the "Frigate Cumberland", with the gallant Morris and his brave 
men, their guns "booming defiance as the \vater (|uenched their 
flame", as she sank beneath the waves. The brave commander. 
Lieutenant Morris, when asked if he would strike his colors and 
surrender, replied "No! I will sink with my ship first", and he did, 



36 THE OXE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

with his colors flying at the masthead. The ^Nlerrimac then turned 
her attention to the "Congress", drove her aground, set her on fire 
and killed her commander. Lieutenant Joseph Smith. She soon 
after exploded, from the hot shot poured into her, sending the rest 
of her crew into the water, nearly all of whom were saved. The 
next morning the little Monitor, that arrived during the night, put 
a stop to the Merrimac's further devastation, silenced her guns for-- 
ever, and drove her back to her shores. The victory of that little 
vessel "revolutionized naval architecture, saved a fleet, and per- 
chance changed the issues of the war" ; and thrilled the hearts of 
our people then saddened by the fate of brave Lieutenant Smith and 
the brave men behind the guns — Lieutenant Morris being rescued 
from a watery grave. It was the desire of our hearts to avenge 
the one, and follow up the victory of the other, that now so filled 
us with enthusiasm and made us long for the advance that would 
afford us an opportunity to contribute our part of success. We 
really felt now that we were to do something, and those leading 
and planning for us were worthy of our confidence. 

On April the 4th, our advance towards Yorktown commenced ; 
reveille was sounded at daylight, and at 6 o'clock we left camp. 
After a march of six miles, made a long halt, during which time 
General McClellan and staff" came along ; instantly every man 
was on his feet, and cheer after cheer greeted him as he passed 
along the whole line, many of the men seeing him for the first 
time. This was the beginning of the demonstrations that almost 
universally greeted him whenever he passed, and was continued 
throughout the whole time he was in command ; if on the march, 
no matter how tired, or with what effort they were dragging them- 
selves along, covered with dust or tramping through mud. the in- 
stant it was known that "Little Mac" was coming, every man 
would straighten up, take his position in line and cheer him as 
he passed. The enthusiasm thus awakened in the hearts of the 
men but deepened their affection for their leader, and assisted 
them to forget the fatigue of the march and would give them a 
fresh start. 

After a long rest we moved on and went into camp about 6 
o'clock near Cockletown. Next morning started again about 5 
o'clock, and after marching for four hours, making only about 



1862] YORKTOWN 37 

five miles, we rested until 2 o'clock and then advanced to within 
four miles of Yorktown, and struck the enemy's lines and began 
the siege of Yorktown. Raining nearly all the time ; cannon- 
ading was heard at intervals during the day. 
Colonel Banes writes as follows : 

The section of country known as the Peninsula is an isthmus 
formed by the York and James rivers, varying in width from seven 
to fifteen miles, and about- fifty miles in length. It is low and 
flat ; in most places water can be obtained by digging three or four 
feet. It has an abundance of marshes and streams, and is heavily 
timbered with pines ; under the most favorable circumstances it 
would not appear in itself a land worth fighting for, and this im- 
pression was made more prominent as the column advanced. 

Everywhere on the route were to be seen indications of the 
waste of war. The little village of Hampton, a short distance from 
the fort, which had the appearance of having once been a place 
of delightful resort, and around which clustered many historical 
reminiscences of great interest, was a scene of ruin and desolation. 
Its public buildings and hotel were destroyed, and in place of its 
homes were blackened walls and heaps of cinders. The venerable 
'church, built in colonial times and standing out of danger from the 
conflagration of the village, was not spared, and even the grave- 
yard, with its overturned monuments and broken tablets, gave 
evidence of the marked determination of the enemy to make the 
land a barren waste for the invaders. Similar sights were pre- 
sented along the entire march to Big Bethel. Houses, barns, and 
bridges were all gone, and fences had been torn away to be placed 
in piles and burned to ashes. Passing scenes like these one could 
well interpret the line of the poet, "Cry havoc ! and let slip the dogs 
of war". 

At the time of the advance on the Peninsula by the vanguard 
of McClellan. the force of the enemy directly opposed was esti- 
mated to number about eleven thousand men, and was under the 
command of General J. B. Magruder, who had defeated a Union 
force ten months before this at Big Bethel, and who was the re- 
puted author of the desolation of Hampton and its vicinity. 
Against this force General McClellan was advancing in two col- 
umns — one along the Yorktown road, and the other by way of 
Warwick. These were commanded respectively by Generals 
Heintzelman and Keyes. In the right column were the divisions of 
Fitz John Porter and Hamilton, of the Third Corps, and of Sedg- 
wick of the Second Corps. The latter was the only division of its 
corps that had yet landed. Richardson's Division joined us shortly 



38 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

after; but the division of Blenker had been permanently detached 
and ordered to General Fremont by President Lincoln. 

The Second, under Sedgwick, destined to earn during its con- 
nection with the army an enviable reputation for its gallantry in 
action, was composed of some of the best of the three years' regi- 
ments. The First Minnesota, Seventh Michigan, Forty-Second 
(Tammany) and Eighty-Second New York, Fifteenth, Nineteenth 
and Twentieth Massachusetts, and other regiments of like character 
made for themselves and the command a national reputation. 
Between these regiments and the Philadelphians there soon sprang 
up an intimacy and a generous spirit of emulation. In all their 
struggles with the foe they stood shoulder to shoulder. By the 
necessities of war and the loss of officers, each of the brigades was 
in turn commanded by regimental officers from the others, Col- 
onels Baxter, Morehead and Owen frequently commanding the 
First and Third Brigades, while the Second, in the absence of 
senior officers of regiments, was occasionally led by a colonel from 
New York or Massachusetts. 

On April 6th, the One Hundred and Sixth, in connection with 
the Seventy-Second, made a reconnoissance of the enemy's works 
from Yorktown to Lee's Mills, under the personal command of 
General Burns. This was the first reconnoissance made by that 
army, and our brigade was especially selected by General Mc- 
Clellan for that duty, but General Burns took only two regiments, 
the Seventy-Second and One Hundred and Sixth, and they per- 
formed that duty with success, and it proved of vital importance. 
Advancing from the right, they explored the whole of Heintzel- 
man's front, throwing out a strong line of skirmishers, driving 
in the enemy's pickets wherever met, pushed forward until their 
main line and fortifications were reached, unmasking their mask- 
ed batteries, drawing their fire. At one point we received a volley 
from their infantry, to which we replied with two volleys — for- 
tunately no one was injured, except one tnan killed by a shell. 
General Burns fully understood his duty, and the regiments ably 
assisted him ; much valuable information was gained as to the 
position and force of the enemy. We had advanced on Yorktown 
and taken the Warwick road from the front gate, and continued 
until meeting General Hancock's command from Warwick Court- 
house, a co-operating reconnoissance, then returned to our camp 
about dark, and found a hot supper awaiting us, which was very 



1862] YORKTOWN 39 

acceptable after our long day's fast, having started about 6 o'clock 
in the morning. We had marched altogether about sixteen miles, 
and the duty was rendered more arduous by the men being en- 
cumbered with their knapsacks, etc. Were, in fact, in heavy 
marching order, a mistake that experience afterwards prevented. 

It now became evident that no attempt would be made to force 
the enemy's works by assault, but that they would have to be taken 
by the slow process of a siege, and every preparation was made 
in that direction ; large siege guns, one hundred, and even two- 
hundred-pounders, with heavy mortars, were brought up and put 
into position. To get these guns to the places designed required 
the construction of roads through woods and over swamps ; the 
former was not hard to accomplish, but the latter compelled the 
men to work in mud and water, sometimes almost knee deep, 
constructing the corduroy roads, as they were called. Small trees 
would be cut down, laid side by side, held in position by stakes, 
covered with loose dirt, and would form a road that would enable 
the engineers to transport these heavy guns to the number of 
redoubts and batteries they were constructing for them. These 
were all connected by lines of rifle pits or earthworks for the in- 
fantry. Our division was assigned to "Battery Xumber Eight". 
These preparations were not permitted to go on without inter- 
ference from the enemy ; they would make frequent attacks, day 
and night, and use their artillery to draw out our fire, and nearly 
every day artillery duels were fought. To retard their artillery 
fire, men were detailed as sharpshooters, and, digging little rifle 
pits during the night, sheltered themselves during the day, and by, 
their well-directed fire, which improved each day, completely 
controlled some of their guns, allowing no one to approach them 
for the purpose of loading and firing. The enemy also acquired 
the same proficiency, and many men on both sides were either 
killed or wounded without hardly knowing where the shot came 
from. Nearly every evening, however, they used their guns with 
efl^ect, and with their infantry attacked the pickets, calling our 
men into line, and sometimes two and even three times during 
the night would we be awakened by the heavy firing from the 
pickets in our immediate front, losing hours of sleep and rest. 

In all these preparations our regiment had its part to perform. 



40 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

On April 9th, we were detailed to build roads ; starting about 
noon, tramped through wood, mud and underbrush in a heavy 
rainstorm until near dark, and returned to camp without doing 
any work except the marching, the Seventy-First Pennsylvania 
and Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiments accompanyingus as guard 
and support. Early on the morning of the loth, we began work 
near the camp and worked steadily all day, constructing a cordu- 
roy road and building small bridges over little runs and swampy 
holes, increased in number and size by the steady rain of the last 
four days. 

On the 1 6th, moved up and took our position in the front line, 
extending from Shipping Point to a place called Winn's Mills, 
and named our camp "Winfield Scott". 

On the 17th, the whole Regiment went out on picket, relieving 
the Thirty-Fourth New York, and were in turn relieved by the 
Seventh Michigan and the Twentieth Massachusetts on the i8th; 
every third day during the siege the regiment was out on out- 
post duty. 

It having been demonstrated that the rubber blankets would not 
answer for tents, we had issued to us on the i8th what were called 
"shelter tents" ; some made of linen and some of cotton cloth, 
about six feet square, arranged with buttons and button-holes, so 
that by putting two together and stretching over a pole supported 
by two forked sticks stuck in the ground, a very comfortable little 
tent could be made, a third buttoned on one end would close it up, 
thus three men clubbing together could make one tent. Each man 
only received one part, or one tent as it was called, yet it took 
three to make a complete tent ; these were a decided improvement 
over the rubber blankets for that purpose. 

On April 25th, the whole Regiment worked the entire night 
throwing up earthworks ; and again on the 28th ; and on the 30th 
received an angel's visit in the shape of the paymaster, who paid 
off the Regiment ; and so the life ran with such changes as each 
day brought forth, until ]\Iay 4th, when it was found that the 
enemy had evacuated. 

While lying here, many incidents occurred that were amusing, 
as well as those that were dangerous. Whiskey became very 
scarce, and only those that wore the shoulder straps were enabled 



1862] YORKTOWN 41 

to obtain it. Now there were men in the ranks that needed it as 
bad as the officers, and many were the devices used to get it. 
Officers' servants were bribed, sickness feigned to get it from the 
surgeons, and stolen when it could be got no other way. One in- 
cident illustrates how much men will dare to get their whiskey. 
The Captain of Company C was standing by a large fire, dry- 
ing himself from one of the rainstorms that were numerous dur- 
ing our stay there, when Sergeant Barnes, of his company, feeling 
very much in need of a "drop of the cratur". and knowing that 
his captain was supplied, but as he had appealed to him so often 
with all manner of excuses, he feared to try it again, so he thought 
this time he would help himself. He quietly stole up behind the 
captain w4io was facing the fire, stooped down and gently lifted 
the canteen, uncorked it, took a good drink, recorked, gently 
replaced it, and as quietly slipped away. Meeting another ser- 
geant of the company by the name of Lockerman, he said "Smell 
my breath". "Good gracious, where did you get it?" said Locker- 
man. "From the captain", said Barnes. "Did you ask him for 
it?" "No! I stole it." "How?" Barnes then related how he 
got it. "By George, I'll try it too", said Lockerman. So he 
quietly stole up behind the captain, stooped down, tilted the can- 
teen and just got it to his mouth when an uncertain movement 
warned the captain, who turned and caught Lockerman in the 
act. The scene that followed may be better imagined than de- 
scribed. Sufficient to say Lockerman did not get his drink, nor 
was he "reduced to the ranks". 

During the siege of Yorktown the first use of the balloon for 
reconnoissance was made, and proved of great value, although it 
was not until the Franco-German war that it was fully utilized. 
Here a balloon, with stout rope attached, was sent up to such a 
height as to be beyond the range of rifle shot, and such observa- 
tions made as were needed and then brought down. It was while 
making one of these ascensions, early on the morning of April 
nth, that the balloon broke loose and shot up in the air, its only 
occupant being General Fitz John Porter. He had ascended a 
number of times alone, and this morning, with field-glass in hand, 
he sprang into the car and commanded the men to let go the 
cables. The balloon was only partially inflated, yet noiselessly 



42 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

it rose into the sky, when suddenly a report, like an explosion, was 
heard, and it was found that the only cable that held the balloon 
had parted and the balloon was adrift. The whole army seemed 
to realize at once what had happened, and all eyes were turned up- 
wards. The General appeared on the edge of the car and shouted 
something that could not be heard below, but Professor Lowe, 
knowing that sound would ascend better, shouted, "Climb-to-the- 
netting-and-reach-the-valve-rope ;" but the balloon kept on its up- 
ward flight. Presently the General was seen climbing up the 
netting and making frantic eft'orts to secure the rope ; but he de- 
scended and motioned over the side of the basket, as though telling 
us of his failure ; directly he was seen making use of his glass, re- 
connoitring the enemy's works. The wind could not be controll- 
ed ; it carried him first in a southeasterly direction, towards Fort 
Monroe, and all felt relieved ; but presently the course changed, 
and back it came over our heads and into the Confederate lines, 
yet, notwithstanding his perilous position, he could be seen using 
his glass and gaining all the information he could, far above the 
range of their sharpshooters and cannon ; but where would he land? 
Again he was seen climbing up the netting, and this time he got 
the rope, opened the valve, and the balloon began to descend. 
His staff and orderlies galloped in the direction the balloon had 
taken, so as to be ready to render what assistance should be neces- 
sary if he should land where they could reach him. As it neared 
the ground, back it came within our lines and landed in the road 
by the camp of the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, striking one 
of their siuall tents and the ground with such force as to hurl 
the General to the ground. Hastily arising unhurt, he was gladly 
welcomed by his officers and the cheers of the men. The writer, 
with others, assisted in discharging the gas from the balloon, 
which was taken charge of by Professor Lowe, who soon arrived 
on horseback. 

Early in May everything seemed ready for the assault on the 
enemy's lines ; our fortifications were all completed, the large 
guns all in position and plentifully supplied with ammunition, the 
works for the infantry ready for occupancy and occupied, when, 
just as we were about to open on the enemy, we found they had 
evacuated and given us the slip. Yorktown was ours without a 



1862] VORKTOJVN 43 

fight. During the night of the 3d of May, they had withdrawn 
their entire force, not even a picket was left, and our skirmishers 
occupied the land without firing a shot, on May 4th. The rebel 
commander. General Johnston, had accomplished his object — 
"to gain time" — and then left. The news soon spread from camp 
to camp, and cheer after cheer was sent up. The bands, that 
had been silent since the 14th of April, when an order was 
issued stopping all bands, drums and bugles from playing, were 
now brought out and played their best tunes ; men soon filled 
the works to see what they could see, and what they could find. 
Many tents were left standing, heavy guns and ammunition left 
behind, a few stragglers and deserters, and several contrabands 
were captured. Letters, newspapers and reports were found ; 
also many other trifling things that were eagerly sought for as 
relics. Quantities of provisions, principally flour, were also 
found. In several places dummy guns, made from huge logs, to 
represent cannon, were mounted on the works, in order to deceive 
us, while the genuine guns were quietly removed at night. In 
one place stuffed men w-ere standing guard over one. But. sad 
to relate, they had availed themselves of the fiendish opportunity 
of destroying some of our men. by planting, near objects of in- 
terest that would be likely to attract a crowd, torpedoes and per- 
cussion shells, which exploded upon treading on the ground over 
them. Several men w'ere killed and wounded, fortunately none 
in our regiment ; but in the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, a man by 
the name of John Greene, of Company D, lost one of his legs, and 
subsequently died while it was being amputated. His foot was 
blown clean off and over the works. It then began to be feared 
that they had carried their devilishness still further by poisoning 
the water and the provisions left behind ; but that report did not 
gain much headway, although it nearly made our mess throw 
aw-ay a good supper. We had secured some of the flour as a 
great luxury, had made a batter and baked ourselves a large pile 
of cakes or "slap-jacks", as we called them, and when all was ready 
sat down to enjoy our treat, when some one remarked, "suppose 
the flour was poisoned !" We all hesitated, looked at each other, 
and then at the pile of cakes ; we were very hungry, the cakes 
looked so good, vet all were afraid to eat them. Finally one of 



44 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

the mess said, "I tell yon what I will do: I will eat one and if it 
affects me don't you eat any", so he helped himself to one of the 
large cakes and began eating it, and there we sat, knife and fork 
in hand, watching him intently, waiting for developments. The 
cake disappeared, another was taken and put away, and he reach- 
ed for a third. We then saw that if we wanted any of those cakes 
we w^ould have to pitch in, which we did, thinking no more of 
poison and seeing who could eat the fastest, and catch up with 
him. I am happy to state none of us were in any way affected. 

As soon as it was known that the enemy had evacuated, efforts 
were made to overtake him. Cavalry and light artillery were 
hurried forward under General Stoneman, and three divisions of 
infantry, under Generals Hooker, Smith and Kearney, all under 
command of General Sumner, followed the cavalry and Frank- 
lin's division was sent by transports to West Point, and Richard- 
son and Sedgwick's were held in readiness to advance to the as- 
sistance of either party. 

The enemy was overtaken by our cavalry coming upon his 
cavalry under Stuart, near the City of Williamsburg, about six 
miles north of Yorktown ; they gradually fell back to a line of 
works which Magruder had previously constructed, which they 
held until reinforced by Longstreet's Division, which had been 
turned back to keep us in check until their whole army and their 
supply trains could cross the Chickahominy. Smith first came up 
with the cavalry about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and prepared 
to assault the works at once, but the woods through which they 
were to charge were found to be "utterly impracticable" for an 
infantry advance, and, darkness coming on, he determined to 
wait until morning. Hooker, after laboring through the muddy 
roads, struck the enemy's line in his front about 11 o'clock at 
night, and at 7 o'clock the next morning, May 5th, he opened the 
battle of Williamsburg, and, unaided, fought hard and well until 
noon, and reported to Heintzelman, "I have had a hard contest all 
morning, but do not despair of success. My men are hard at 
work, but a good deal exhausted". At 12 o'clock Smith, who had 
delayed his advance until then, began his attack with Hancock's 
brigade, who succeeded in capturing the works of the enemy's 
right, which he held for some time, and then fell back, when he 



1862] YORKTOWN 45 

was immediatel}' assaulted by the reinforced enemy, but, turning, 
he poured several well-directed volleys into their advancing lines, 
and then charged and drove them back with a loss of nearly 400 
men. In the afternoon Hooker was reinforced by Kearney, and 
subsequently by Couch. Kearney, relieving Hooker's diminished 
and exhausted men, immediately renewed the fight and, by suc- 
cessive charges, recovered the lost ground, and night closed the 
battle unsatisfactory to both armies. Webb says: 

The battle was fought hj- piecemeal and ended in disappoint- 
ment; we lost that day 2.228 killed, wounded and missing, and five 
guns. Longstreet reports the total rebel loss at 1,560. 

At 8 o'clock our division was under arms, and soon started, 
taking nearly four hours to march about seven miles over those 
terrible muddy roads and through swampy grounds, some places 
nearly knee-deep in mud and water, halting from about noon 
until near dark, when we again took our position in the road, 
but could not move forward ; and all that night we stood in that 
mud and water, raining hard all the time, unable to get forward, 
and they would not take us back, and there we stood : wet through 
to the skin, cold, sleepy and w'orn-out, no place to lie or even sit 
down, nothing to lean against for support. We had heard dis- 
tincth' the cannonading all day long, but were not taken forward 
to take part in the fight. Some time after midnight we were 
ordered back to camp, after standing for ten hours in line in a 
flrenching rainstorm, wet through, mud over ankle deep, with 
the sound of battle plainly heard, and instead of being pushed 
forward to do our part, were kept standing there inactive, certain- 
ly much more trying on young soldiers than resisting the assaults 
of the enemy or charging their line, because it lacks the excitement 
and glory, which is greater than the risk. That day and night's 
experience will not be forgotten by any of those who endured it. 
any sooner than that same day's experience of Hooker's or Han- 
cock's men that fought so well and suffered such heavy loss. 

We remained in camp on the 6th, and fortunately the sun came 
out a welcome visitor, and we were able to dry ourselves, our 
clothes, and clean from them the mud that covered them. Our 
brigade, during its stay at Yorktown, suffered very little in killed 



46 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

and wounded at the hands of the rebels, but by those still more 
powerful enemies, sickness and death, our loss was very heavy. 
Many were rendered unfit for further service by disease and the 
hardships and exposures they were compelled to vmdergo, and 
many were sent to the hospitals North, and others left there and 
died. Among those whose aspirations were suddenly terminated, 
was Lieutenant Eugene Foliet, of Company I, who died of brain 
fever. He was a promising young French officer, expert with 
the sword, well up in the tactics, and unknown to fear, possessing 
all the qualifications necessary to make a good officer. The com- 
pany felt they had met with a severe loss. All were glad when 
we left that place for good. 



1862] FAIR OAKS 47 



CHAPTER VII. 

FAIR OAKS. 

STEPS were now taken to follow up the retreating enemy, and 
to force him back when met. Forces were hurried forward 
as fast as practicable, to push on towards Richmond and 
occupy the ground as soon as vacated. 

On May 7th, at 6 o'clock, we were on the march, passed through 
Yorktown to Brick House Landing, and took transports to West 
Point, situated on the peninsula formed by the Mattapony and Pa- 
munkey Rivers, about twenty-five miles above Yorktown. The 
One Hundred and Sixth and Seventy-First Regiments, embark- 
ing on the steamer "State of Maine", having in tow the large 
schooner "Smithsonian", and propeller "Salvador", both loaded 
with troops, arrived at West Point at 4 o'clock, landed, and 
camped on the banks of the river. Here on that day, Franklin's 
Division and Dana's Brigade of our division had a pretty hard 
fight with the enemy's rear guard, lasting nearly all day, and 
finally succeeded in driving them back and capturing six pieces 
of artillery ; the next morning prepared to continue the fight, 
and our brigade ordered under arms, when it was found that the 
enemy had retreated during the night. Our camp was changed 
on the 8th, and again on the 9th, moving about three miles in- 
land to Eltham, on the Pamunkey River, where we remained 
several days. On the 15th again took up the line of march, and 
marched about twelve miles, near to New Kent Court-House, in 
a heav}' rainstorm which lasted the entire day, making the roads 
very muddy, and although we had made but twelve miles, it was 
the hardest day's march we had had up to that time. The soil was 
principally clay and became very sticky and slippery, so that we 
would slide back part of the way at each step taken forward. The 
roads were terribly cut up by the artillery and wagons, making 
the mud in some places over shoe-top, and would stick so fast 
as, at times, tQ pull the shoes off the feet, so that some of the men, 



48 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1S62 

on taking a step forward, would find the}' had left their shoe 
behind and would have to go back and dig it out or go on and 
leave it, which some of them did ; then the mud adhering to the 
pants far above the knees, and the rest of the uniform completely 
saturated with the rain, made them very heavy, so that many of 
the men were unable to keep up under this additional heavy load 
of mud and water over those bad roads. 

After three days' rest started again on the i8th, passing through 
New Kent Court-House and about four miles beyond, and en- 
camped. While encamped here I wandered into the old church- 
yard and became deeply interested in the many old tombstones ; 
among them found one with the following cut upon it. It was 
a large marble slab, now grey with age. Its peculiar style induced 
me to copy it, and I give it just as I found it : 

Here Lyes Intered ye Body of ye Hon-ble 

Will"" Bassett of ye County of New Kent. 

Esq. Son of Will'" Bassett Esq and 

Bridget His Wife of ye County of 

Southampton ye Kingdom of England 

He Married to Joanna Eldest 

Daughter 

of Lewis Burwell Esq, with whom 

He Happily Lived 29 years & 

10 months 
And was Blessed with 5 son & 

7 daughters 

He departed this Life ye llth 

of Octbr 

1723 in ye 53rd year of his age 

He was a good Christian 

Affectionate 

Obliging Husband A 

Kind Indulgent 

father, a good Master His 

Loss was 

greatly Lamented by his Country 

County & family & unexpectedly to 

Mournful Disconsolate Widow 

Who also Departed this life 

this ye 7th day 

of October 1727 in the 

53rd yeare of her age 




Captain Charles S. Schwartz 

Aug. 8, 1861. May 12, 1864. 

As First Sergeant. 

Promoted to Second Lieutenant, Nov. i, 186: 

Promoted to First Lieutenant, March 1,1863 

Promoted to Captain, April 5. 1864. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 i86^ 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va", May 12 ig 



COMPANY A. 




Sergeant E. Sherwood Walton. 

Aug. 12, 1861. Sept. 10, 186 

As Corporal. 

P''omoted to Sergeant. March i, 1863. 

Mustered out with Company, Sept 10. li 




Corporal David G. Walton. 
Aug. 8, 1861. July 2, 1863. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal, March i, 1863. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13. 1862. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 



1862] FAIR OAKS 49 

On the 2 1st made a march of about fifteen miles, passing St. 
Philip's Church, in which we were told, General Washington 
was married. This, perhaps, is an error, as Irving, in his "Life 
of Washington", says that he was married on the "6th day of 
January, 1759, at the White House, the residence of the bride, 
in the good old hospitable style of Virginia". Yet they might 
have been married at church and entertained afterwards at the 
White House, the residence of Mrs. Custis in New Kent County, 
a short distance from Williamsburg. 

We camped that night on the plantation of ex-President Tyler. 
We moved on the 23d and again on the 28th, when we held the 
center position of the army with Keyes on our left, with his left 
near Bottom Bridge, and Franklin on our right, with Porter on 
the right and Heintzelman on the left as supports, all along the 
banks of the Chickahominy. We remained there until moved 
forward to Fair Oaks. 

Colonel Morehead was now called upon for a detachment of 
the Regiment for special service, and Companies A and B were 
selected, and under the command of Major Stover, were sent to 
White House Landing, where, much to the disgust of the men, 
the "special service" was found to be guarding the hospital stores 
of the army. 

The movement up the Peninsula towards Richmond may now 
be said to be well under way. "On to Richmond !" was the cry. 
The weather was unusually warm, and much difficulty was ex- 
perienced in obtaining suitable water for drinking purposes. At 
almost any point water could be obtained by digging from three 
to five feet ; but this was only surface water, and its evil effects 
were soon apparent — fevers prevailed, nearly every one sufifered 
from diarrhoea, and the sick list throughout the Army became 
very large, it was almost the Army. Our Regiment sufifered 
severely from this cause ; however, the eft'ect of this bad water 
was counteracted by the issue of whiskey. ( or commissary, as we 
called it) to the men, for some time twice a day, and most of the 
time containing quinine. 

We were now camped on the banks of the Chickahominy, or 
in its immediate vicinity. Chickahominy! "What's in a name?" 
Yet the mention of that name causes a shudder to run through the 



50 ■ THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

survivors of the "Army of the Potomac", and brings many sad 
memories to thousands of households throughout our land. Many 
men there contracted disease that cost them their lives in a short 
time, while others lingered through a life almost made irksome by 
the poison then taken into the system, and yet what does that 
name represent that bears so important a part in the history of 
the Rebellion? — a small stream, formed by the junction of a num- 
ber of small streams from the hilly country west of the city of 
Richmond, flowing in a southeasterly course and emptying into 
the James River, about eight miles above the city of Jamestown, 
its whole length being about ninety miles, not very wide, and 
while in itself it would not interfere much with the movements 
of an army, yet heavy rains, inundating the low grounds contigu- 
ous thereto, and the soft and marshy grounds along its banks, 
made it impossible and the movement of artillery and wagons 
very difficult. The bridges that crossed it at various points were 
all destroyed by the retreating enemy, and our men had to replace 
them at the points most needed as well as they could wath the 
means at their disposal. 

The point near where we lay, as has been stated, was about 
three miles above Bottom's Bridge, which is about fifteen miles 
from Richmond. About half way, or about seven miles from 
Richmond, is New Bridge, and four miles above that is Mechan- 
icsville. About one mile above Bottom's Bridge is where the 
Richmond and York River Railroad crosses. 

Two new corps were formed about May 15th, which afterward 
became the Fifth and Sixth, the former under Porter, contain- 
ing his own division, commanded by Morell, and Syke's Brigade 
of Regulars, now increased to a division by the addition of some 
New York troops, and the latter under Franklin, containing his 
own division, commanded by Slocum, and Smith's division, form- 
erly of Keyes' Corps. 

On May 22d, during a heavy rain, we had a very heavy hail- 
storm, the hailstones being very large. 

On 23d, our Regiment together with the Twentieth Massachu- 
setts made a reconnoissance along the railroad for about two 
miles, thence through woods and thickets, swampy ground and 
ploughed ground, grain fields, and through a beautiful orchard 



18G2] FAIR OAKS .51 

with trees heavily laden with green fruit, which gave promise, if 
left alone, of a fine crop. After resting about an hour at noon, 
this tramp was kept up until 4 o'clock, when we made prepara- 
tions for camp, having marched about fourteen miles, while the 
remainder of the division had only moved about four miles. For- 
tunately, we were in light marching order, the knapsacks having 
been left behind to be brought up in wagons, but they did not 
come up until late the next day. much to the inconvenience of 
officers and men. 

On 27th the division was drawn up in line to witness the dis- 
grace of Captain Davis J. Rich, of the Thirty-fourth New York 
Regiment, for mutiny on account of his position in line being 
taken from him and given to another company, whose captain's 
commission antedated his ; he was stripped of his sword and 
buttons and dismissed from the service, and then sent to Wash- 
ington to serve one year in jail. 

Heavy firing of artillery heard all day. On 28th, under arms, 
moved about four miles, leaving tents standing and knapsacks in 
them. Xext day returned to our camp. This movement was to 
support Porter's attack on Hanover. About five hundred pris- 
oners were brought in. 

Colonel Banes, alluding to these movements, says : 

About the time of Sedgwick's arrival at the river, the advance 
of the army began to cross at both Bottom's Bridge and the rail- 
road. After reconnoitring within a short distance of Richmond 
and nearly to the James River, the troops that had crossed fell 
back to points nearer the Chickahominy, and commenced fortify- 
ing their position. Casey's Division of Keyes' Corps was placed on 
both sides of the Williamsburg road, six miles from Richmond and 
a half a mile beyond Seven Pines. Couch's Division of the same 
corps extended from Seven Pines to Fair Oaks Station, on the 
York River Railroad. Kearney's Division of Heintzelman's Corps 
was on the same road to the rear of Peach Orchard, and the 
division of Hooker of the same corps was protecting the ap- 
proaches from White Oak Swamp, that lay to the left of these 
divisions. 

Meantime the Corps of Sumner. Porter, and Franklin remained 
on the left bank of the river. In this divided condition the army 
remained during its stay before Richmond, although the relative 
positions of some of the corps were changed occasionally. 



52 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1S62 

By the 27th Sumner's Corps had constructed two bridges over 
the river for the passage of troops ; one of them was called the 
Grapevine, and the other Sumner's Lower Bridge. At this work 
and picketing our time was fully occupied. 

While on this movement the men were in the habit of firing off 
their guns to unload them for cleaning, and several of the men in 
the different camps were accidently shot, so that strict orders 
had to be issued to prevent further accidents, and Colonel More- 
head punished those that he caught b}^ standing them up on 
barrels, under guard, for a day or two at a time. 

On May 31st, from early in the morning, the firing of artillery 
was distinctly heard in the direction of Keyes' Corps. Our corps 
was encamped near the Tyler House, on the left bank of the 
Chickahomin}-, over which it had constructed two bridges. As 
soon as the noise of the battle was heard, our old commander, 
General Sumner, was impatient to be ordered forward ; we were 
soon under arms. About noon he could wait no longer, and 
began to move his columns to the front, so that when the orders 
came, he was already on his way. Great difficulty was experienc- 
ed in getting artillery across the river, now swollen by the recent 
heavy rains, and the swampy ground on each side. One of the 
bridges built by our corps was called the "Grapevine", from its 
manner of construction, being stispended by large ropes tied to 
the trunks of trees. This swayed backward and forwards, and 
seemed as though it could not hold out, but as the weight of the 
troops increased it became more steady. For some distance on 
each side a corduroy road had been built over the soft, swampy 
grounds leading to each end of the bridge, and some of these 
logs had been washed away, which made it very hard to cross 
with the artillery. 

Kirby's Battery broke through a small bridge over a gully, and 
his men and horses were unable to get it out. The division 
hurried on past until our brigade reached them, and General 
Burns, knowing the value of artillery and that every piece would 
be needed, halted his column and directed his men to take the 
carriage to pieces and carry it and the gun across and up on to 
solid ground. This consumed some valuable time, and General 
Sumner sent three different times for him to move his brieade 



1862] FAIR OAKS 53 

forward, but General Burns refused to go without his artillery, 
and his action was subsequently sustained by General Sedgwick, 
commander of the division. Upon resuming our march, we were 
met by General Sumner, who urged us forward at double-quick, 
and on a run we reached the front and were put in position. 
General Sumner assuming command of the field. The report 
soon spread that Sumner had arrived with his corps, and as 
with cheers and at double-quick we rushed into position we gave 
fresh courage to our troops that had fought so manfully from 
early morn. 

Gorman's Brigade was advanced rapidly towards Fair Oaks 
Station on the left, to the relief of a portion of Couch's Division, 
separated from the rest of the corps, now fast giving way before 
the advancing enemy. Kirby's Battery was soon in position to 
assist Gorman, and opened with canister upon the enemy's line, 
seeking to flank us by the right, and his fire cutting them to pieces, 
compelling them to retreat to the woods in disorder. General 
Burns was directed to advance with the Sixty-Ninth and Seventy- 
Second Regiments of his brigade to the right, through the 
woods, to check the enemy, trying to turn our flank towards 
the Chickahominy ; and General Sedgwick, in person, led the 
Seventy-First and One Hundred and Sixth Regiments to the 
support of Kirby's Battery (formerly Rickett's Battery, by which 
name it was equally as well known), which the enemy now deter- 
mined to capture. It was soon recognized by General Magruder, 
who commanded the Rebel forces in its front, as the battery he 
formerly commanded while in the United States Army. Swear- 
ing a fearful oath, he ordered the charge, saying "On, my 
Southern braves ! That's my old battery, and I am going to 
have it or sleep to-night in hell". Charge after charge was made, 
and gallantly made, but the men manned their Napoleons too well, 
and each fire of canister swept the ground in their front, and the 
well-directed volleys of our regiment supporting it proved to 
Magruder that his former battery was not to be taken, although 
at one time it seemed almost as though it would be, as his men got 
up to the cannons, and one of his officers had his hand on the 
piece, and said "This is my gun". "Not yet", replied Captain 
Kirby, as he was knocked down by one of the cannoneers. Three 



54 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

successive charges were made exclusively upon that battery, but 
each time they were driven back with fearful loss, their dead and 
dying literally covering the ground, which proved the foresight 
of Burns as to its value in battle. They acknowledge a loss at 
that point of 1.283 killed, wounded and missing in these attacks 
to capture those guns, including General Hatton killed, and 
Hampton and Pettigrew wounded, the latter a prisoner. On the 
right, just before dark, they made another vigorous efifort to turn 
our flank, when Sumner ordered a ba}-onet charge by two regi- 
ments of Dana's Brigade, Twentieth Massachusetts and Seventh 
Michigan, and three regiments of Gorman's Brigade ; and well did 
they do their work, leaping two fences between them and the 
enemy, rushed upon them and drove them in confusion from the 
field ; it was a brilliant charge. It was near dark by the time 
General Burns with the Sixty-Ninth and Seventy-Second Regi- 
ments reached his position on the right, and the battle had ceased 
for the day. 

General Webb in his book, "The Peninsula", is slightly in error 
in his statement as follows : 

General Burns took part on the right of Colonel Sully with two 
regiments, holding two in reserve. 

The two in reserve were the Seventy-First and the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth, and they were taken by General Sedgwick 
to the left to support Kirby's Battery ; again : 

During the night, the Seventy-First Pennsylvania and First Cali- 
fornia, of this Division, with the Nineteenth Massachusetts, Sixty- 
Third and Forty-Second New York were ordered back towards the 
Chickahominy. to hold the line of communication and protect the 
ammunition and artillery, nearly all of which was mired on the 
south side of the river. 

The Seventy-First Pennsylvania and the First California are 
the same, and they were not taken back that night ; but, as will 
be seen. General Burns only took the Seventy-Second back. 

That night, between 12 and i o'clock. General Burns was order- 
ed by General Sumner to take two regiments and return to the 
bridge to cover the crossing of the artillery. While en route 
they came upon the enemy's pickets in an open field to the left. 



1862] FAIR OAKS 55 

which proved to be an attempt of the enemy to gain Sumner's 
rear and capture or destroy the bridge across the Chickahominy. 
General Burns halted and immediately threw out skirmishers and 
drove them back, until he got a secure lodgment for the Sixty- 
Ninth Regiment, which was left there until morning, and took the 
Seventy-Second back to the Trent House overlooking the bridge. 
At daylight the next morning, June ist. General Burns advanced 
the Sixty-Ninth Regiment up to Gouldey's house and established 
his picket line beyond, and on returning to the Trent House, met 
General McClellan, who had just crossed the bridge (the Grape- 
vine), and rode back with him to the position to which he had ad- 
vanced the Sixty-Ninth Regiment on Gouldey's farm. General 
McClellan pronounced it the key to the position, and directed him 
to take possession with his brigade and a battery of artillery. 
General Burns immediately sent orders for the rest of the bri- 
gade to assemble there, and the Seventy-First, and our regiment 
were withdrawn from the support of Kirby's Battery, and the 
Seventy-Second from the Trent House, and placed in position 
alongside of the Sixty-Ninth. 

The fight was resumed that morning, but not with much vigor, 
Richardson's Division being about all that was engaged, and by 
noon all was quiet and the battle of Fair Oaks or "Seven Pines", 
as the Confederates called it, was ended. 

During the day Adjutant Pleis asked Captain Ford to take a 
walk with him over the field. The}^ had not gone far when the 
Adjutant said, "I cannot stand this; it makes me sick to see such 
terrible sights ;" for they beheld the dead lying thick, piled on top 
of each other just as they had fallen, all mangled and torn — de- 
composition already taking place — -the groans of the dying and 
the wounded, who had not yet been removed, were agonizing to 
hear ; so he turned back, but the captain continued on and soon 
came upon an old man, sitting up, leaning against a tree, and 
across his lap lay a young lad, whose fine features, pale face and 
light waving hair would very readily be taken for those of a young 
girl. Addressing the old man, the captain inquired his regiment : 
"Hampton Legion", he replied ; to a question as to where he was 
wounded he replied by unbuttoning his coat with his left hand 
and displaying an ugly wound in the right arm. The Captain then 



56 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

asked the lad what regiment he belonged to. and he replied. 
"Hampton Legion". "Then you know each other?" "Yes. he's 
my boy", said the old man, "he fell badly wounded in the leg, 
and I went to help him and was wounded myself. I have tied it 
up as well as I could in my crippled condition. We have both 
lost so much blood I am afraid we cannot stand it nmch longer". 
Captain Ford asked him if he had not received any attention yet, 
he said "No", and then told how he had dragged his boy to the 
tree, taken off his own shirt, torn it into strips, tied up the 
wounds as well as he could and then sat down, taking the boy's 
head on his lap ; had remained there waiting to be taken to the 
hospital. The captain explained that we had our own wounded 
to look after first, and as soon as possible he would receive at- 
tention. He then made his way back to the hospital and related 
the circumstances to our surgeon. Dr. Dwinelle, and asked for 
some whiskey to take to them. The doctor gave directions to 
the steward, who filled a tin cup about half full of brandy ; he then 
went to the pump to get some water. Here a guard was placed 
to prevent anyone, except the surgeons or nurses, taking any 
water, who refused to let even the Captain have any. Captain 
Ford said, "I want this for a rebel ; for a father and son lying 
out in the woods, both badly wounded and, perhaps, dying". The 
guard immediately filled the cup ; and accompanied by a nurse, 
whom Dr. Dwinelle had directed to go with him, with some 
bandages to dress their wounds, the Captain returned to the 
woods ; raising the boy he gave him about half and the old man 
the balance, who thanked him and said, "Captain, you have saved 
our lives. I did not think a Yankee would be so kind". The 
nurse then dressed their wounds and left them far more com- 
fortable. This is but one of the many cases that could be told 
where our men, at great inconvenience to themselves, promptly 
rendered assistance and comfort to those of the enemy, when 
wounded, sick or hungry ; even the guard, who had repeatedly 
refused our own men water, who were able to go elsewhere and 
get it, when told it was for a wounded rebel, freely gave it. 

Our loss was very light indeed considering our position, yet 
enough to cause sadness. Companies A and B. being on detach- 
ed service at White House, were not engaged. Captain x^chuff. 











o « 

-J K^ 









1862] FAIR OAKS 57 

of Company E, was badly wounded in the leg. Private William 
D. Polen, of Company D, and Musician Fred. L. Waugh, of Com- 
pany C, were killed, and the following wounded: Sergeants 
Sloanaker, of Company C, and Witter, of Company I, and Pri- 
vates Seaman, of Company C, Holcomb, of Company D, and 
Reed, of Company H. wounded. 

The field presented a mournful sight ; the dead were lying un- 
buried, the hot weather causing them to quickly decompose, im- 
pregnating the air with their foul odors. Details were made to 
hurriedly bury them in trenches. 

The wounded were gathered into the temporary hospitals, 
which we had established at Courtney's House, with little con- 
veniences for the relief of their sufferings, yet all was done that 
could be done for them. Chaplain Harris, of the One Hundred 
and Sixth Pennsylvania, was appointed Quartermaster, and had 
charge of the rations for the wounded. The greatest difficulty 
was to procure meat for them ; the condition of the roads and 
bridges made its transportation very difficult ; it was absolutely 
necessary that some should be had for soup at once, and, none 
other being at hand, a young horse, belonging to General How- 
ard, who had been wounded, was killed and soup made of its 
meat, and found to answer the purpose, being greatly relished by 
the poor men, who little thought it was horse meat. As fast as 
the wounded had received attention, and were in condition to 
be moved, they were sent by cars to White House, thence by 
transports to Northern hospitals. 

General Howard was among those wounded in this engagement 
and lost his right arm ; and. it is said, as he was being carried to 
the rear, he met General Kearney, who had lost his left arm in 
IMexico, and said to him : "Kearney, when you go to buy a pair 
of gloves I will go with you. and between us we can take a pair". 

General Burns in his official report said : "I am entirely satis- 
fied with the conduct of my brigade. It has been christened under 
fire, and will do what is required of it". 

The official report of the loss to our anr.y is 890 killed. 3.627 
wounded and 1,222 missing, making a total of 5,732. That of 
the enemy must certainly have been much greater, but they only 
acknowledge 4,283 in killed, wounded and missing. 



58 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

On the evening of the 2d, the One Hundred and Sixth and 
Seventy-First were moved rapidly to the left to support Hooker's 
Division, who anticipated an attack, which, however, was not made, 
but we remained there. During the night a heavy rain storm set 
in, completely drenching us ; the next morning we were moved 
back to our Division, passing through low, swampy ground that 
bore evidence of the severe struggle of May 31st, the dead, in 
large numbers, still lying unburied or only partially buried, now 
terribly disfigured and rapidly decomposing with the heat ; the 
sickening odor making it almost unbearable, clinging to our wet 
clothes and even tainting the food in our haversacks. 

That day, June 3d, General Burns was ordered to feel the 
enemy at Old Tavern and cover the crossing of our troops in 
front of Porter's position, for which purpose the engineers had 
been sent on to throw up works. On the 6th was relieved by 
General Baldy Smith. Arriving there General Sumner ordered 
him to clear the woods in front of his line, which he succeeded in 
doing, capturing their rifle pits, but our pickets were driven from 
the pits the next morning by the enemy's artillery ; but we re- 
took them at night only to leave them the following morning and 
again occupy them at night, and so on for the whole time, twenty- 
eight days, that we remained there, when we returned to our posi- 
tion on the right of Richardson, the First Division of our Corps 
at the edge of Garrett's farm, our right extending towards the 
Chickahominy. 

On Sunday, June 8th, while advancing the picket line to straight- 
en its irregular shape, the enemy made an attack and partially 
flanked our line, and poured an enfilading fire upon us, our line 
being formed by two companies from the Seventy-First, one from 
the Sixty-Ninth and two from the One Hundred and Sixth Regi- 
ments, and each sustained loss. Of our Regiment, Captain Mar- 
tin Frost and Private William W. Fairchilds of Company K, were 
killed, and a number of men wounded, and Lieutenant Marine 
C. Moore, of the Seventy-First, and Lieutenant Moran, of the 
Sixty-Ninth, were also killed. 

On the following night, while Lieutenant-Colonel William L. 
Curry, of the One Hundred and Sixth, was visiting the pickets 
towards dawn, he got outside of the lines, was surprised and cap- 



18G2] FAIR OAKS 59 

tured. The pickets at that point had fallen back during the night 
without his knowledge, and in going from one point to another 
he was outside the lines, and, before he knew it, was in the enemy's 
hands ; he was taken to Richmond, thence via Petersburg to 
Salisbury, where, in company with General Michael Corcoran and 
Colonel John K. Murphy, he experienced some very harsh treat- 
ment, and, in about three months, was released and rejoined the 
Regiment. Companies A and B, with Major Stover, were reliev- 
ed from their duty at White House and rejoined the Regiment. 

On the 1 2th we were paid off. 

The duty here performed by the Regiment, for about four 
weeks, was similar to that before Yorktown, only far more hazard- 
ous. In our front lay a dense wood of irregular shape, extend- 
ing, in part, into the enemy's lines ; in another part our picket line 
extended to its edge, about half-a-mile in advance of our line of 
works hastily thrown up of logs and earth ; the trees for a con- 
siderable distance in front were cut down, their tops towards the 
enemy. During our whole stay there it may be said that we slept 
on our arms, as no day or night passed that we were not hastily 
summoned into line by an attack on our pickets or an unusual 
heavy firing in front, sometimes brought on by the sharpshooters, 
who concealed themselves in the trees or hastily constructed am- 
bushes, to pick off any one who came within range, and their 
fire, at times, was so deadly that sorties would be made to drive 
them from shelter. As these shelters were generally taken be- 
fore daylight, once driven from them there was rest until the next 
day. The balloon was here again brought into requisition, and 
ascents made every day to spy out the enemy's position and move- 
ments. The same trouble as to drinking water continued ; sick- 
ness to an alarming extent prevailed, grog or commissary was 
again regularly issued, and those who never before took it stood 
now beside those who were accustomed to its taste, and regularly 
took their rations. 

Early in the morning of June 12th, about i o'clock, while called 
under arms by an attack of the pickets, we witnessed a total eclipse 
of the moon ; we remained in line until it had all passed. 



60 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SEVEN DAYs' FIGHT, 

TOWARDS the latter part of June it became evident that some 
extensive movement was contemplated. It seemed to per- 
vade all hands, although no extraordinary preparations 
had been made, and rumor after rumor circulated as to what 
movement was in contemplation. It was soon known that the 
enemy was massing on our right and threatening that flank. 

On June 25th, General McClellan began his advance on Rich- 
mond, and our left was advanced to see if the enemy was still in 
force there, and soon brought on a very heavy engagement, which 
involved part of Heintzelman's Corps, Richardson's Division of 
our Corps and a brigade of Keyes' Corps ; they found a strong 
force of the enemy still there. We drove in their first line and 
established a new picket line within four miles of Richmond. 
This was called the battle of Oak Grove, and was the nearest 
General McClellan ever got to Richmond. Late in the afternoon 
General McClellan rode past and was cheered along the whole 
line ; this brought on very heavy firing in our front, the enemy 
advancing to endeavor to ascertain the cause of the cheering. 
Our artillery opened, it was taken up along the whole line, and 
became very heavy on the extreme right. 

The next day, 26th, heavy and continuous firing was heard on 
the right and was kept up all day, telling us that long and continu- 
ous fighting was going on, and towards evening we were ordered 
in line, without arms, and orders read announcing a victory of ' 
McCall over Jackson, at Mechanicsville, which was received with 
cheers. 

This was the beginning of a series of engagements that took 
place during McClellan's change of base to the James River, 
known as "The Seven Days' Fight". Whether the enemy were 
aware of his intention to assault Richmond, and made this move- 



1S62] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 61 

ment to counteract it, or had determined on a bold strike of their 
own, was not then known ; but as they pressed forward with the 
combined forces of Longstreet, Jackson and the two Hills, and 
repeatedly attack our forces at every available point, we then 
knew that they planned the attack to force McClellan back. 

They first began their attack on General Stoneman's Cavalry 
Division at Mechanicsville, drove him back and then upon Mc- 
Call's Division, who held them in check for over four hours, de- 
feating them at every point, inflicting heavy loss and finally drove 
them from the field, General Porter coming to his assistance with 
part of his Corps. 

On the 27th, the whole force of the enemy was thrown upon 
General Porter who repulsed each assault, and throughout the 
whole day kept the enemy at bay, fighting against fearful odds, 
but just before dark they broke through his line and threatened 
disastrous results, when Meagher's and French's P)rigades of 
Sumner's Corps arrived and restored his line, and ended the Battle 
of Gaines' Mills, and convinced McClellan that it was necessary 
for him to make the retrograde movement towards the James 
River, and General Porter was ordered to retreat after repulsing 
spirited charges and manfully holding their groimd, until finally 
outflanked and compelled to retire leaving McCall's Division 
covering the rear, and compelled to leave behind twenty-six 
guns and many small arms. They succeeded in carrying 
off nearly all the dead and wounded, spiking nearly all the guns, 
burning the commissary and quartermaster stores, camp equipage, 
and breaking up the wagons. We could distinctly hear the 
heavy cannonading on the right from our position. 

On that same day, June 27th, they made a furious attack on 
the pickets in our immediate front, trying to break through our 
line evidently to see if we had been withdrawn and sent to rein- 
force the right : several additional companies went to the assist- 
ance of our picket line, and our batteries opened with such good 
effect that the enemy was soon sent back behind his works. 

On the morning of June 28th, orders were received to prepare 
to move. Quartermasters began to send all extra clothing and 
spare supplies to the rear while the wagons belonging to the trains 
were loaded with rations and ammunition and sent on ahead. 



62 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Hospitals were broken up, and the wounded and sick were trans- 
ferred to Savage Station. Surgeons and their stewards busied 
themselves preparing medical stores for the ambulances, then pre- 
paring for the serious work that seemed indicated, but soon the 
orders were countermanded ; in the afternoon, however, they were 
again issued, not only to pack up but to destroy all that could not 
be carried. Quantities of supplies, provisions and clothing were 
destroyed, barrels of meat, boxes of crackers were broken open 
and their contents destroyed, new clothing given promiscuously 
to the men, who put them on and destroyed their old ones by 
cutting and tearing them to pieces and with axes cut up iron 
kettles, canteens, cups, tents, tent poles and muskets ; everything 
that we thought would be of any possible use to the enemy was 
destroyed, and by evening everything was packed, the wagons 
all loaded and sent to the rear. As soon as darkness shielded us 
from the enemy's view, tents were struck, and with knapsacks 
packed and haversacks well filled all were ready for instant move. 
Arms were stacked and in line we rested, awaiting orders, yet 
no orders came ; the enemy suspected some movement was on 
foot and again made an attack on the pickets, only to find our boys 
there and ready. 

During these preparations, a new battery of rifled guns, com- 
manded by Captain Franks, reported to General Burns, who plac- 
ed it in position to strengthen our defences. When it had an 
opportunity to work it was so well handled that it became quite 
a favorite subsequently with the men. A shot made by Captain 
Franks with one of these guns while stationed with the brigade 
was equal to the best sharpshooting practice : a scout of the 
enemy, anxious to ascertain why our men were cheering and what 
the Yankees were doing, ascended a tree about one mile distant 
to take observations — a cannon was sighted at the lookout, and 
the third shot carried away the poor fellow and his shelter. 

General Alexander S. Webb, in his "Peninsula", writes: — 

Thus suddenly, the Army of the Potomac, which was actually 
pressing towards Richmond, as shown by the affair at Oak 
Grove on the 25th, found itself thrown again upon the defensive, 
in the midst of its offensive operations, by Jackson's preconcerted 
and timely reinforcement of Lee. 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 63 

Further on he says : 

Jackson with an overwhelming force was nearby, and that with 
Longstreet and the two Hills he was about to make an effort to 
destroy the Army of the Potomac. 

Their entire force was thrown against Porter's single Corps at 
Gaines' Mills and repulsed each time, lasting from about lo o'clock 
until dark. Webb adds: 

So far no impression had been made in the stubborn line. Hard 
pushed. as our men had been since noon, there had not been a sign 
of wavering at any point. 

Webb puts Porter's entire command at 17,330 infantry, 2,534 
artillery and 671 cavalry, a total of 20,535, ^"d the combined 
forces of the enemy at 55,000. Continuing, he says : 

General McClellan had fought an army with one corps ; yet so 
stubborn had been the resistance of that corps that Lee and Jackson 
both believed, and so reported to Richmond, that they had en- 
countered the bulk of McClellan's force. 

Just before daylight on the morning of June 29th, after sleeping 
under arms all night, we were told to put up our tents, that at 
daylight the enemy might not see that we contemplated moving. 
But, while working at them. General Burns rode along and gave 
orders to be ready to move at once, and just after daylight we 
were once more in line and ready to march, backward instead 
of forward, and gave up our position at the edge of Garnett's 
farm about five miles from Richmond, and we never got that near 
again. We pushed on to Peach Orchard, about three miles in 
the rear, and formed in line of battle on each side of the railroad 
on Allen's farm. We were now the rear guard, and were told 
to hold the enemy in check until the whole army could cross 
White Oak Swamp. Our pickets were quietly withdrawn just 
before daylight and all safely rejoined their regiments. 

About 8 o'clock, the enemy, having discovered our retreat, 
rapidly advanced until they struck our line. The Seventy-First 
Pennsylvania, under Lieutenant-Colonel W. G. Jones, which had 
been ordered back by General Sumner to occupy the former camp, 
was advancing for that purpose, when they found our deserted 



64 THE OXE HUNDRED AXD SIXTH REGIMEXT [1862 

works already occupied by the enemy, who at once attacked them 
in front, while another column, moving down the railroad, threat- 
ened their left flank. Jones fell back in good order to a better 
position on the left of the railroad, just back of Allen's house, 
and joined the Fifty-Third Pennsylvania, under Colonel Brooke, 
fighting all the way, losing nearly one hundred killed and wound- 
ed, and awaited their attack. They were not kept waiting long, 
but were furiously assaulted ; but they held their ground against 
heavy odds, until reinforcements to the enemy compelled them to 
retire. General Burns was sent forward to take command of 
the front line, and shortly afterwards withdrew it to the position 
occupied by the brigade, and, as soon as the enemy appeared at 
the edge of the wood following them up, Pettit's and Hazzard's 
Batteries opened with such good efifect as to compel them to 
retire, although they made several attempts to dislodge us, and 
after about an hour's contest the battle of Peach Orchard ended. 
Our Regiment was stationed on the left of the railroad, support- 
ing Kirby's Battery, and was subjected to a severe fire of shot and 
shell. 

General Webb calls this fight the "Battle of Allen's Farm", and 
says that it was fought principally by the Thirty-Seventh Penn- 
sylvania, under Colonel Brooke, that occupied a log house in front 
of Richardson's Division, as follows : 

Their principal efforts being directed against the position held by 
Colonel Brooke, who, reinforced by the Seventy-First New York, 
of Sedgwick's Division, held his own. 

This is an error, as there was neither any Thirty-Seventh Penn- 
sylvania or Seventy-First New York there, nor does either of 
these Regiments appear in McClellan's ofififcial roster ; but there 
was a Thirty-Seventh New York and a Seventy-First Pennsyl- 
vania, and there was also a Fifty-Seventh Pennsylvania, but as 
Colonel Brooke commanded the Fifty-Third Pennsylvania, we 
infer that that is the regiment General Webb referred to, but that 
the principal, if not nearly all, fighting was done by the Seventy- 
First Pennsylvania, instead of Colonel Brooke's Regiment, is 
shown by their heavy loss — losing ninety-six in killed and wound- 
ed. General Burns, our Brigade Commander, recognizing this, 
makes special mention of it in his report as follows : 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 65 

The Seventy-First, under jts gallant young lieutenant-colonel, 
won high encomiums from the corps commander, who knows what 
fighting means. 

And has since corroborated the above in a private letter to the 
writer as follows : 

When General Sumner arrived at Peach Orchard it was found 
that we were in advance of General McClellan's preparations for 
crossing White Oak Swamp, the stores at Savage Station had not 
been destroyed, so he directed the camps of Sedgwick and Rich- 
ardson's Division to be reoccupied, and one regiment was sent 
from each division ; the Seventy-First Pennsylvania, Colonel Jones 
was selected from my brigade. Colonel Jones met the enemy be- 
fore reaching our camp and captured three prisoners, and gradually 
retreated before his advance, checking him as much as possible. 
The regiment from Richardson's Division retired precipitately, 
leaving Colonel Jones' flank exposed ; but the batteries of that 
division, however, checked their advance, and Colonel Jones made 
good his retreat. General Sedgwick directed me to go to the edge 
of the wood in front and cover the movement of the Seventy-First 
Pennsylvania by advancing their skirmishers, with orders to take 
command of the front line. I found Colonel Brooke, of General 
Smith's Division, behind a house, some hundred yards behind the 
edge of the woods. I directed him to advance his regiment, which 
he declined to do, saying that he had been placed .by his command- 
ing officer behind the house. I informed him I had been placed in 
command of the front line, and his position was within the limits 
of my command and he must obey my orders promptly. He then 
advanced, and the Seventy-First came in behind his line and form- 
ed on his left. The enemy were repulsed principally by the artil- 
lery, but when we were ordered to retire to Savage Station, follow- 
ed close, nearly intercepting the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, 
my rear. General Webb is mistaken in reporting that Colonel 
Brooke repulsed the enemy ; it was the efifect of Colonel Jones' 
slow retreat and frequent stands, together with the artillery fire 
on the left and the skirmishing in the woods. 

Shortly after the firing had ceased we were ordered to proceed 
by the WilHamsbiirg road to Savage Station, part of the time at 
double-quick, our only thought being to get there as soon as 
possible, and as none were anxious to be left behind, everything 
that in any way hindered our march was hastily dispensed with, 
and the road was strewn with knapsacks, blankets, tents, over- 
coats, etc., no time being taken to even destroy them. The men 
suffered greatly with the heat, yet every effort was put forth to 



66 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

keep up, as every one knew that to fall out now meant to fall into 
the hands of the enemy. We arrived at Savage Station about 
3 o'clock, massed in the edge of the woods, stacked arms and 
rested. 

It being impossible, in the short time allowed, to remove all of 
the immense amount of stores that had accumulated at Savage 
Station, the large quantities that were left were destroyed by 
fire, to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy ; the 
flames and smoke ascending high in the air as barrels of beef, 
sugar, cofifee, rice, boxes upon boxes of crackers were consumed ; 
the torch was also applied to cars loaded with ammunition, cloth- 
ing and other stores that had not been run ofif, and one immense 
siege gun was spiked and its carriage thrown upon the burning- 
pile. So the fearful destruction of supplies went on, as though 
trving to keep pace with the terrible loss of life and limb that 
had occurred and was still to occur in those seven days' fight 
for change of base. 

General Webb, speaking of the destruction at White House, 
says : 

All the material that could not l)e put on board the transports 
was burned ; the engine and cars, some of the latter loaded with 
supplies, were put under full head of steam and were run into the 
river. The wagons, to the number of five thousand, loaded with 
everything that could be carried, were sent on their way across 
White Oak Swamp. 

Also the Reserve Artillery and 2,500 head of cattle. 

The enemy were quickly taking advantage of our retrograde 
movement by following us up, reoccupying the land and hastily 
repairing the bridges across the Chickahominy, that had been 
destroyed by our men as they fell back ; they pushed rapidly for- 
ward and attempted to intercept our flank. Franklin was on the 
right, Sumner in the center and in the works of Seven Pines, 
Heintzelman on the left and nearer Richinond ; but by some mis- 
understanding of orders, Heintzelman withdrew his corps and 
crossed White Oak Swamp, exposing Sumner's left flank; the 
enemy soon perceived this and were not long in taking advantage 
of it. 

While we were resting under cover of the wood. Generals Sum- 




COLONEL JOHN H. STOVER. 
Nov. 5, 1861. April 4, 1864. 

As Major. 
Promoted to Colonel 184th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, April 4, 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 67 

ner, Franklin and Sedgwick were in consultation on a slight eleva- 
tion in open ground, just a short distance to the right of where 
we were lying, accompanied by their respective staffs and escorts, 
when two horsemen emerged from the wood, about three-quarters 
of a mile in front, a little to the right of where they stood, remain- 
ed a few minutes and disappeared, and almost simultaneously a 
flash was seen and a shell came tearing just over the Generals' 
heads, quickly followed by another ; this ended the consultation 
and immediate steps were taken to meet this attack. 

Our battery, which was in position, immediately opened and 
another was soon run into position and commenced firing. Gen- 
eral Burns was directed to advance two regiments of his brigade ; 
throwing out two companies of the One Hundred and Sixth, 
A and H, and two companies of the Seventy-Second, under the 
command of Major Stover, of the One Hundred and Sixth, who 
moving at double-quick across the large open space, soon struck 
the wood, drew the fire of their skirmishers and pushed forward 
and drove them back to their main line, through the wood and 
dense underbrush. General Burns now advanced with the 
Seventy-Second and One Himdred and Sixth Regiments to their 
support, and, as he supposed, the support of Heintzelman's posi- 
tion at Seven Pines, but, upon arriving at the edge of the wood, 
found that Heintzelman had fallen back, and crossed White Oak 
Swamp, exposing our left flank, leaving Burns to face the whole 
of their army then on the right bank of the Chickahominy, they 
having advanced by the Williamsburg road and were massed in 
large numbers in the dense woods on each side of the road. 
Burns called for reinforcements and the First Minnesota w^as 
sent him, but before they got into position on the left of the One 
Hundred and Sixth, the attack commenced with artillery and over- 
powering numbers of infantry. General Burns formed his line 
at a fence at the edge of the wood, with the right company of 
the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania facing the right flank on the 
railroad, which drove back the railroad monitor, and the left of 
the First Minnesota extending across the Williamsburg road, the 
left retired, the One Hundred and Sixth in the center. Brooke 
afterwards extended this line to the left. Burns stubbornly held 
his ground and gallantly repulsed their successive and desperate 



68 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

charges. At one time the right of the One Hundred and Sixth 
and the left of the Seventy-Second became engaged in a hand-to- 
hand conflict with the enemy in their endeavors to break through 
our hnes, but our boys would not yield ; their artillery fire became 
very heavy, but the batteries of Pettit and Osborn replied with 
good efifect. The Sixty-Ninth and Seventy-First Pennsylvania, 
together with the Eighty-Eighth New York, were our immediate 
supports, but were not engaged. Major Stover, of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Pennsylvania, being the only other mounted officer 
on the field, volunteered to assist and was of great service to 
General Burns, who had sent all his staff officers to conduct re- 
inforcements to the field, and through the hottest fire carried 
orders, and reported the movements of the enemy in different 
parts of the field, thereb}^ rendering valuable service to General 
Burns. 

It has been erroneously stated that these Regiments broke and 
fell back in disorder; that is not so, but during that close contest 
the left of the Seventy-Second gave way, carrying a portion of 
the One Hundred and Sixth with it ; but they soon rallied, regain- 
ed their lost ground and gallantly held it, not again yielding a foot, 
notwithstanding the terrible onslaught of largely superior numbers, 
until withdrawn at 9 o'clock at night. After nearly three hours 
of this unequal contest, their ammunition nearly gone, three regi- 
ments of the First Brigade were placed under General Burns' 
command, and by his direction relieved the first line. It now 
being after dark the battle of Savage Station was ended, but not 
without heavy loss, and was fairly a victory for our troops ; the 
enemy had commenced the attack and were severely repulsed and 
driven from the field on which the fighting was done. Our loss 
was principally in the Seventy-Second, One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania and the First Minnesota, as from their position they 
received the principal attack. Company I, of the One Hundred 
and Sixth, which happened to be stationed across a small road 
leading through the wood, suffered severely, losing four killed 
and twelve wounded ; the Regiment lost nine killed, twenty-four 
wounded and twelve missing. The picket line was established, 
and the men, hungry and exhausted, lay down for rest, and held 
their position until the whole corps crossed White Oak Swamp. 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 69 

This was designated by General Sedgwick as "Burns' Fight" ; 
while the contest was at its height General Burns was wounded in 
the face with a minie ball, but remained with his brigade, bandaged 
his face with his handkerchief, with his beard and clothes clotted 
with blood, he still encouraged his officers and men and congratu- 
lated them on their gallantry, and deeply mourned the necessity 
of being compelled to leave behind so many brave men, wounded 
and dying, who had fought so well. General Sumner, in his 
official report, says : 

The assault was met by Burns' Brigade in the most gallant manner. 

About 9 o'clock the line was quietly withdrawn, the march again 
resumed, and at about half-past three we arrived at White Oak 
Swamp and crossed. The moment our brigade had crossed with 
the rear guard the bridge was cut away, but not a moment too 
soon, as the rebel cavalry were at our heels. Leaving Franklin's 
Corps, Richardson's Division, and Nagle's Brigade, and Hazzard, 
Ayres and Pettit's Batteries to dispute the crossing, we were 
moved back about two miles, to Nelson's farm, or "Glendale", 
and lay down to rest, completely exhausted. Our Division was 
massed in a large field, between New Market and Charles City 
roads, on the right of Hooker's Division, who now occupied the 
left of our line ; on our right was Kearney's Division, and on his 
right was Heintzelman ; in our front was McCall's Division of 
Pennsylvania Reserves, west of the New Market road. 

About 2 o'clock the enemy under Hill and Longstreet began the 
attack on McCall's line, with two regiments from the Charles 
City road ; they were repulsed. Hill now determined to use his 
whole force, and threw brigade after brigade against McCall's 
Division, who stood their ground, their well-delivered fire assisted 
by the batteries of Randall, Keen, Cooper, Dietrich and Cunning- 
ham, who fired with terrible effect, preventing his advance. 
Hill now moved to the left of McCall and attempted to flank him. 
McCall quickly changed front and ordered a charge, which was 
promptly executed, but this disordered his line ; the enemy quickly 
took advantage of it and threw his reserves forward, firing as they 
advanced ; this drove our men from their guns and sent McCall's 
left back in disorder, through Sedgwick's lines. His left brigade, 



70 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Seymour's, was doubled up and then Hay's, but his right brigade, 
Meade's, held their ground. Hooker's position was too far in 
the rear, which exposed McCall's left flank, hence his disaster. 
Burns' Brigade was now sent to the relief of McCall, the Sixty- 
Ninth and One Hundred and Sixth Regiments were ordered for- 
ward, and, while advancing. General Hooker ordered the One 
Hundred and Sixth, and led it in person, to the extreme left to 
the support of the Excelsior Brigade, under General Sickles, 
then hotly engaged. General Sumner, when he turned the regi- 
ment over to General Hooker, said: "Hooker, this is your fight; 
place this regiment where you want it". The Sixty-Ninth con- 
tinued its advance, and opened fire on the flank of the now advanc- 
ing enemy that had repulsed Seymour, and then charged upon 
their line, now weakened by the terrible fire of double-shotted 
guns from the batteries of Kirby, King, Thompson, Owen and 
Bartlett, from Sumner's front. It was a brilliant charge, and they 
drove him back over all the ground he had won, with great slaugh- 
ter. The Seventy-First was advanced to the position vacated 
by Hay's Brigade ; Sedgwick's two Brigades were returning from 
Franklin at double-quick, the Nineteenth Massachusetts was the 
first to arrive and was immediately placed on the right of the 
Seventy-First Pennsylvania ; the next regiment, the Forty-Second 
New York, was placed on the right of the Seventy-Second Penn- 
sylvania, which had been sent by General Burns to support the 
right of Meade's Brigade. The Seventh Michigan and Twentieth 
Massachusetts were placed on the second line, to which the other 
regiments were assigned as fast as they arrived. McCall, trying 
to rally his command, met Kearney's Division advancing to his 
assistance on the right. Soon after General Kearney himself 
rode up, and at once took steps to fill up the break in McCall's 
lines, but not without heavy loss, which included the capture of 
General McCall, who rode into the enemy's hands while trying 
to reform his shattered column. General Burns, in his official 
report, says : 

Colonel Owen's Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, unsupported, pursued 
the victorious rebels back over the ground through which they 
were passing, and carried the crest of the hill where McCall lost 
his artillery. Gallant Sixty-Ninth ! 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 71 

The One Hundred and Sixth remained with the Excelsior 
brigade throughout the entire engagement, and whatever credit 
is accorded that brigade in that engagement is equally due the 
One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania. The Seventy-First and 
Seventy-Second Regiments were sent as supports, and. Hay's 
Brigade of the first line giving way, the Seventy-First Pennsyl- 
vania and the Nineteenth Massachusetts were thrown into the 
breach, and for nearly an hour poured volley after volley into the 
enemy's line, and checked their advance at that point. Burns 
says: 

Nobly did they redeem the faults . of their comrades. These 
two noble regiments met the enemy face to face, and for nearly 
an hour poured into them such tremendous volleys that no further 
attack was made at that point. 

The Seventy-Second Pennsylvania and the Forty-Second New 
York protected the right of Meade. Thus the entire brigade, 
though detached, rendered valuable and efifective service, each 
regiment holding an important position and doing efifective work. 
About I o'clock at night the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, 
then on the advance picket line was withdrawn, and was ordered 
to rejoin its brigade, which it did at daylight the next morning, 
July 1st, at Malvern Hill. 

At Malvern Hill the brigade was principally employed in sup- 
porting batteries, and was moved to such points as seemed 
threatened, subject to heavy artillery fire but fortunately with 
very light loss. At 9 o'clock at night we were hurried mto line 
and started back towards Richmond, instead of continuing the 
retreat. "On to Richmond !" was the cry once more. All 
hands were elated and feeling confident of reaching there now, 
and were pushing rapidly forward when, after a march of about 
six miles, the order was countermanded and we were turned 
around, marched back and continued on until we arrived at 
Harrison's Landing about daylight, marching through fields and 
woods in a drenching rain that began towards morning. The only 
road being full of cavalry, artillery and wagons, we were covered 
with mud, wet to the skin, sufi^ering with hunger and completely 
worn out and correspondingly disheartened. Thus ended the 



72 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

famous seven days' fight, and seven nights' march, and the suc- 
cessful termination of a retrograde movement in which a severe 
battle was fought each day, resulting in a decided victory for the 
retreating army, who occupied the ground on which each fight 
was fought at the close of the battle, and then retreated in the 
night. 

Our brigade was marched to a position in a large wheat field, 
which the rain had turned into a mud field, and as soon as the 
ranks were broken, the men gathered together the bundles of 
straw in the stacks, to make beds to lie upon and protect them 
from the mud, and those that had tents got them up in some man- 
ner, and soon nearly all were trying to sleep, in the rain and mud, 
paying little attention to the distant booming of cannon. In the 
afternoon, rations of cofifee, sugar and crackers arrived and were 
liberally issued, and, somewhat rested with the sleep that many 
had secured, the inner man was then attended to, and all hands 
felt much better and in better spirits. Early the next morning, 
July 3d, we were hurried into line, marched to the front, and put 
into position, as an attack was expected ; but as no attack was 
made, we were taken back to camp. 

July 4th greeted us with a beautiful, bright day. The sun was. 
out in all his brightness and heat, a welcome visitor, notwithstand- 
ing the heat, to dry up the ground and our clothes, now wet with 
the two days' rain. Orders were received to move, and soon we 
were again on the march, but this time only to change camp. 
We marched about three miles and camped on the banks of a 
large creek. About 12 o'clock the different batteries of artillery 
fired a national salute, the bands began playing, and General 
McClellan and staff, in full dress uniform, rode along the line, 
and were received with cheers. The following address of Gener- 
al IMcClellan was then read to each command : — 

Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : — Your achievements 
of the last ten days have illustrated the valor and endurance of 
the American soldier. Attacked by superior forces, and without the 
hope of reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing your base 
of operations by a flank movement, always considered as the most 
hazardous of military expedients. You have saved all your ma- 
terial, all your trains, and all your guns except a few lost in battle ; 
and you have taken in return guns and colors from the enemy. 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 73 

Upon your march you have been assailed day after day with des- 
perate fury, by men of the same race and nation, skilfully massed 
and led. Under every disadvantage of numbers, and necessarily 
of position also, you have, in every conflict, beaten back your foes 
with enormous slaughter. Your conduct ranks you among the 
celebrated armies of history. No one will now question that each 
of you may always with pride say, "I belong to the Army of the 
Potomac". On this, our Nation's birthday, we declare to our foes, 
who are rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this 
army shall enter the capital of this so-called Confederacy ; that our 
national constitution shall prevail ; and that the Union, which alone 
can insure internal peace and external security to each State, 
"must and shall be preserved", cost what it may in time, treasure 
and blood. 

The following is a copy of the official report of Colonel More- 
head of this campaign : 

Head Quarters io6th Regiment Penna. Vols. 

Camped near Harrison's Landing, Va., July §tli, 1862. 

Captain Geo. A. Hicks, Asst. Adj. General. 

Captain : — In obedience to orders, my command left their camp 
near Fair Oaks, on Sunday morning, the 29th ult., about daylight, 
and soon after reached Allen's Farm. We were thrown into the 
woods. In about half an hour, the enemy appearing, we left the 
woods and formed in line of battle, supporting Kirby's Battery, 
where we remained for some time under a heavy fire of shot and 
shell. In about an hour I received orders from General Burns to 
proceed at double-quick by the Williamsburg road to Savage Sta- 
tion, which I immediately did, and reached there about 3 o'clock, 
and again formed in the woods. About 5 o'clock in the afternoon 
the regiment left the woods, formed in line of battle and advanced 
to the edge of the woods, where the enemy were appearing in full 
force, the Seventy-Second Regiment being on our right and the 
First Minnesota Regiment on our left. We opened fire and con- 
tinued firing from two to three hours. We remained in our posi- 
tion until about 9 o'clock, when we were ordered to cross the White 
Oak Swamp, which was accomplished about half past 3 o'clock 
the following morning. About 10 o'clock we received orders and 
immediately marched to and bivouacked in a grain field. About 
2 o'clock in the afternoon the enemy again appeared in large force 
on Nelson's farm and soon made an attack upon us, which extend- 
ed along the entire front of our lines. We were ordered to form 
on the left of the Sixty-Ninth Penns3dvania Volunteers. While 



74 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

we were doing so we were ordered forward to the relief of General 
Sickles' Excelsior Brigade, Hooker's Division, who were at that 
time very sorely pressed, a momentary panic having taken place in 
consequence of the loss of some artillery, which was soon after 
recaptured. We took a position on the right as a support. Shortly 
after dusk the Excelsior Brigade was withdrawn and we were 
moved to the front, where we remained until about i o'clock next 
morning, when we were ordered to rejoin our brigade, which was 
accomplished at Malvernton, after daylight. In a short time we 
were ordered to take a position in a clover field facing the enemy's 
batteries, where we remained for some hours under a heavy fire 
of shot and shell, which soon began to tell on us, the enemy having 
obtained a perfect range of us, when we were ordered by General 
Sedgwick to take the regiment to the right of our line. Here we 
remained until about ii o'clock, when I was ordered to report to 
General Dana and to take position on the right of his line to sup- 
port the pickets of that front. We remained here until half past 
I o'clock the next morning, when, by order of General Dana, we 
moved with his brigade to this point, where we immediately rejoin- 
ed our brigade. 

My loss in killed, wounded and missing in the several engage- 
ments being one hundred and twenty-three (123). Too much 
praise cannot be awarded to both officers and men during the 
entire engagements for their ability under severe fire and prompt- 
ness in executing all commands, with the exception of Lieutenant 
Joseph T. Banister, of Company B, who deserted his company by 
running away in the early part of the engagement at Savage Sta- 
tion, and has not since been seen or heard of by me. 

I beg leave to mention the signal services of Major John H. 
Stover, who was in charge of the advanced skirmishers at Savage 
Station, and who was afterwards detached in charge of the pickets 
during the night and withdrawing them after the army had moved 
forward, and joined his command with safety. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

T. G. MOREHEAD, 

Colonel commanding io6th Regiment Penna. Vols. 
F. M. Pleis. Adjutant. 

The wound received by General Burns in the face at Savage 
Station now becoming dangerous, the surgeon ordered him to 
the rear, and before going he published the following address to 
his men : 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 75 

General Orders, Head Quarters Burns' Brigade. 

No. 22- 

Harrison's Landing, Va., July 8th, 1862. 
After an age of events which have multiplied themselves so 
rapidly in the really short time of our acquaintance, I feel, in 
bidding you a short "Good Bye", that the strongest ties have grown 
around our hearts. I have twice had occasion to report to superior 
authority the conduct of my brigade in battle. At Fair Oaks I said, 
"I am satisfied with my brigade ; it has been christened under fire, 
and will do what is required of it". You have borne me out in my 
proud assertion ; I say in my report of the recent hard fought 
battles, "I repeat my assertion at Fair Oaks — I am satisfied with 
the conduct of my brigade, none will gainsay it". You have, 
indeed, won a proud distinction. Your banners have floated on 
the hardest fought fields — and in every scene they waved there after 
the enemy had left. I thank you ! I am proud of you — I love you. 
Good Bye. Wm. W. Burns, 

Brigadier General commanding Brigade. 

This was thought by both General Burns and his brigade to be, 
as he said, a short good bye ; but it was a long one, lasting forever, 
as General Burns only returned to his old brigade when sufficient- 
ly recovered to return to duty, for a few days, on October 9th, 
as he had received his promotion, and was soon placed in com- 
mand of the First Division of the Ninth Corps. He had made 
himself popular with his command, who admired him not onlv 
for his personal bravery and devotion to duty, but for his thorough 
soldierly training, that taught both officers and men the full duty 
of a soldier. His loss was deeply regretted. 

General Sedgwick, commanding the Division, in his letter from 
Harrison's Landing, writes as follows : 

Head Quarters 2d Division, 2d Corps. 
Camp near Harrison's Bar, Va., July 6th, 1862. 
AssT. Adj. General Sumner's Corps: 

Sir : — In transmitting my report of the actions of June 29th 
and 30th, I desire to call especial attention of the General com- 
manding the Corps to the gallantry of Brigadier General Burns, 
and respectfully submit that a grade is but a small recompense for 
his services on those occasions. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John Sedgwick, 
Brigadier General commanding. 



76 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Which General Sumner endorsed as follows : 

I very cordially agree with General Sedgwick in his recom- 
mendation. I know General Burns well, and know that he has 
fairly earned his promotion. 

E. V. Sumner, 
Commanding Corps. 
General McClellan writes as follows : 

General Sumner in his endorsement and General Sedgwick in 
his report of July 5th and letter of July 6th, 1862, have not over- 
rated the importance of the services rendered by General Burns 
during the period from June 29th to July 2d, 1862. The conduct 
of General Burns at Savage Station and at Glendale on 29th and 
30th was something more than that display of gallantry which every 
brigade commander ought to possess. In both instances the suc- 
cess achieved was against large odds and under very trying circum- 
stances, and one of vital importance to the success of the move- 
ment then in progress. 

In giving the history of troops serving in campaigns the success 
of the commander represents their success. Without their 
character his credit would be nothing; with their bravery his 
success is entwined. A company takes its reputation from the 
glory of the regiment, the regiment of the brigade, and so on. 
The One Hundred and Sixth Regiment w^as an integral of the 
force represented in the encomiums of Sedgwick, Sumner and 
McClellan. 

A general officer, writing of our brigade and these events, 
says: 

Burns' Brigade, with Sedgwick's Division, was chosen by the Gen- 
eral-in-Chief from Banks' Corps, and transferred to join the noble 
Army of the Potomac in the struggle against the enemy's main 
army in front of his capital, a distinction for which he ever after 
felicitated himself. When imminent danger threatened he never 
called in vain for their services. He ordered Sedgwick's Division 
to support the direct attack on Yorktown, in April, 1862. He 
ordered Burns' Brigade to make the first reconnoissance of the 
enemy's works from Yorktown to Lee's Mills, which was perform- 
ed by the Seventy-Second and One Hundred and Sixth Regiments 
with success, and was of vital importance. Sedgwick's Division 
was selected to join Franklin's turning expedition to West Point, 
and again to support Porter's attack on Hanover. It was at West 





'^/^r^^r—r^ 



Lieut. Col. and Brev't Brig. Gen. U. S. A. 



1862] THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 77 

Point that General Sumner pronounced Burns' Brigade the "elite 
of the Army of the Potomac". Sedgwick's Division crossed the 
Chickahominy on its own bridge and saved Casey's Division from 
disaster at Fair Oaks. Burns' Brigade, on the night of the first 
day's battle of Fair Oaks, discovered and occupied the opening in 
Sumner's rear at Goldey's farm, and checked the enemy moving 
to gain the bridge across the Chickahominy. General McClellan 
said it was the key to the position. Burns' Brigade cleared the 
woods of the enemy in front of Sumner's position, capturing his 
rifie-pits at the edge of Garnett's farm, and held that contested 
ground for twenty-eight days, losing many valuable men, including 
Lieutenant-Colonel Curry, of the One Hundred and Sixth Regi- 
ment, captured. The first and second days of the Seven Days' 
Fight, Burns' lines were furiously attacked and firmly held ; the 
third day his brigade was in the front line of battle at Peach 
Orchard, and checked the enemy ; the same day they were sent 
back to Savage Station to meet the approaching enemy and pro- 
long Heintzelman's position at Seven Pines. General Burns, 
advancing with the Seventy-Second and One Hundred and Sixth 
Regiments, found that Heintzelman had fallen back across White 
Oak Swamp, leaving Burns to meet all of the army of the enemy 
then on the right bank of the Chickahominy. He with the 
Seventy-Second, One Himdred and Sixth Pennsylvania and the 
First Minnesota, sustained an attack of several hours of artillery 
and overpowering numbers of infantry, until reinforcements ar- 
rived and extended the flanks. This was designated by General 
Sedgwick as "Burns' fight". The fourth day Burns' Brigade was 
held in reserve behind McCall's Division at Glendale. McCall 
having a faulty position, not joining Hooker on the left, was 
struck in the flank and crumbled ; his broken line passed through 
Burns' Brigade, who advanced the Sixty-Ninth, Seventy-First Penn- 
sylvania and the Nineteenth Massachusetts, and their crushing 
volleys checked, and with reinforcements drove the advancing 
enemy from the battlefield, thus saving the Army of the Potomac 
from being pierced in the center. General McClellan pronounced 
this success as vital to the movement then in progress as Frank- 
lin's was at White Oak Swamp and Porter's at Malvern Hill, 
twelve miles apart. The fifth day at Malvern Hill, Burns' Brigade 
was sent to the extreme right to meet a supposed flank movement 
of the enemy and returned, and was under close artillery fire 
during the battle. After arriving at Harrison's Bar the enemy 
again attacked with artillery, and Burns' Brigade went to the front, 
but, the firing ceasing, returned to their camp. The Seven Days' 
Fight was over, this brigade taking no small part in that move- 
ment, the most delicate and dangerous in war — change of base. 



78 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

And General McClellan says of the battle of Savage Station : 

At 4 p. M. the enemy commenced the attack in large force by the 
Williamsburg road. It was gallantly met by General Burns' Bri- 
gade, supported and reinforced by two lines in reserve; and 
Hazzard's, Bramhairs, Pettit's and Osborn's Batteries also took 
part effectively in this action, which was continued wath great ob- 
stinacy until between 8 and g p. m., when the enemy was driven 
from the field. 

And of Glendale he says : 

General McCall's troops soon began to emerge from the woods 
into the open field, batteries were in position and began to fire 
into the w-oods over the heads of our men in front. Captain De 
Russey's battery was placed on the right of General Sumner's artil- 
lery with orders to shell the woods. General Burns' Brigade was 
advanced to meet the enemy and soon drove him back. Other 
troops began to return from White Oak Swamp. 

And adds : 

The battle of Glendale was the most severe action since the 
battle of Fair Oaks. About three o'clock the action commenced 
and after a furious contest till after dark, the enemy was routed 
at all points and driven from the field. 

Bryant gives the losses of both armies in the Seven Days' 
Fight as follows: Federal. 1,582 killed, 7.709 wounded and 5,958 
missing, a total of 15,249. The Confederates, exclusive of Ma- 
gruder's Division, lost 2,472 killed, 11,774 wounded and 399 
missing, a total of 14,645. Magruder's Division lost at least 
4,500. making a grand total of over 19.000. This, upon examina- 
tion, shows that the losses of the enemy were mtich greater than 
ours, our killed and wounded being btit 9,291, and theirs was at 
least 18,500: we losing nearly 6,000 as prisoners, and they only 
about 600. 

We were now to rest awhile, rest after the severe ordeal through 
which we had passed. The intense excitement and the wearisome 
fatigue of the last seven days — fighting day after day, and march- 
ing night after night, out of provisions and scarcity of water — sadly 
did we need rest ; and yet, while resting, we thought of those who 
were now taking their final rest, and those suffering with wounds, 
who a few days before stood by our side. Our loss in the Seven 



18621 



THE SEVEN DAYS' FIGHT 



79 



Days' Fight, as far as the writer has found reported, was eleven 
killed, twenty-five wounded, seventeen missing, total fifty-three. 
Yet Colonel Morehead in his report puts the total loss in killed, 
wounded and missing at one hundred and twenty-three. Many 
of these were, perhaps, reported missing, who afterward reported 
for duty, and others may have been so slightly wounded as not 
to appear on subsequent reports. 

Those killed were : Private Fred. Sheak, of Company A ; Wil- 
liam H. Comfort, Company C ; Wickham Harding and Robert M. 
King, Company D ; Michael Campbell and Patrick Shaye, Com- 
pany E; John Robb, Company G; William Blackburn. Isaac 
Campbell, James Fulton and John Stevenson, Company I. 



COMPANY 



A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I 
K 



WOUNDED 



25 



CAPTURED 



17 



7 
4 
6 

7 
5 
2 

I 
I 

15 
5 



53 



We were encamped by the side of a running creek with a large 
mill-dam a short distance through the wood. This enabled the 
men to keep themselves and their clothes clean, and to enjoy 
frequent baths, many of us going in twice a day. The intense 
heat made the days almost unbearable, and the nights were hardly 
long enough to recover thoroughly from the effects of the day ; 
innumerable quantities of iiies of various kinds, and other insects, 
annoyed us by day, and mosquitoes by night; fevers, scurvy and 
diarrhcea prevailed to an alarming extent. The active force was 
fast becoming the hospital force. Men were stricken down with 
disease, and would be carried to the hospital to be carried out dead 
in a few days. . Many ! Alas too many good men were thus lost, 
and the transports carried away over twelve thousand sick. But 
for the kindly services of the Christian and Sanitary Commissions, 



80 THE OXE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

and their life-giving supplies, many more would have died, and a 
great many more would have had to be transported to northern 
hospitals. The steamer John Brooks, chartered by the Sanitary 
Commission, was constantly employed, plying between Harrison's 
Landing and Washington, bringing up supplies, the value of which 
cannot be estimated. The paymaster having paid us a visit, 
many were enabled to purchase luxuries that the close proximity 
to the river afforded ample means to bring up, by the sutlers, and 
those self-constituted sutlers, the men, as many members of the 
different regiments did a thriving business in retailing cakes, 
apples, cheese, lemons and lemonade. New clothing was issued 
and the many necessary things that were lost, destroyed, or worn- 
out on the march were replenished. 

On July 8th we were reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief, 
President Lincoln, accompanied by Generals McClellan, Sumner 
and Sedgwick. He was greatly cheered along the whole" line. On 
the same day, General Burns left for Philadelphia on account of 
his wound, and Colonel Baxter, of the Seventy-Second Regiment, 
assumed command of the brigade. 

Lieutenant Wetzler, of Company I, accidentally shot himself 
in the leg with his pistol that day. The ball not going through 
had to be extracted; he went home on the I2th, and was soon 
after discharged. 

On the 9th, four companies of the regiment were detailed to 
build breastworks, and remained out all day. 

On the nth. Captain Theo. J. Fimple, of Company K, was sent 
home sick and did not return again, but was discharged the follow- 
ing January. 

On the 22d the whole corps was reviewed by General Sumner 
about 7 o'clock in the morning. Brigades were formed in column 
of regiments, making each brigade four or five lines deep, accord- 
ing to number of regiments, about twenty paces between the lines, 
the artillery drawn up in the rear ; the whole line extending over 
a mile. As General Sumner appeared, a salute of thirteen guns 
was fired by the artillery ; after he rode down the line, the corps 
passed in review, division front, and all returned to camp in time 
for dinner. Fortunately there was a good breeze, so the men did 
not suffer with the heat. 




Corporal John S. Dove. 
Aug. lo, 1861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal, Dec. 30, 1863. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Mustered out with Company. Sept. 10, 1864. 



COMPANY A. 





George S. Smith. 

Dec. 9, t86i. Oct. 20, 1862. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Discharged, Oct. 20, T862. Wounds. 



John S. Tur.nek. 

Dec. 9, 1861. Nov. 20, 1863. 

Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Nov. 20, 1863. 



82 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1S62 

CHAPTER IX. 

TO THE RELIEF OF POPE. 

AS Stated in the previous chapter we rested at Harrison's 
Landing. Yet we knew not how long that rest would 
last ; we were constantly in receipt of orders to move and 
were taken out on reconnoissances ; finally, on August nth, def- 
inite orders were issued to prepare to move at once, but we did 
not leave until August i6th. 

Before leaving camp, on the 15th. the Regiment was drawn 
up in line to witness the execution of the sentence of a court- 
martial upon Private John Mansfield, of Company B, for deser- 
tion, which was to have his head shaved, be drummed out of the 
service, branded with the letter "D", and sent to Fort Wool, op- 
posite Fort Monroe, to serve out the term of his enlistment at 
hard labor, to forfeit all his pay and bounties, and wear a twenty- 
four pound ball attached to his leg by a three and a half foot iron 
chain. The severity of this sentence ought certainly have put 
a stop to desertion, as it must be far more preferable to do the 
work in camp than the work of a convict, even with the risk of 
one's life in the battles, and I know that Mansfield would readily 
have exchanged, as we looked upon him, marching under guard 
through our lines, with his head shaved, after having his sentence 
read to him before the whole command. 

At half past five in the afternoon of August 15th the Regiment 
broke camp and started, but got no further than headquarters, 
as the road was filled w'ith wagons, a constant string moving 
steadily all day and night, so we lay down where we were. At 2 
o'clock in the morning of the i6th, another efifort was made to 
get started, but still no use ; at five the men were up, getting their 
breakfast, and at 7 o'clock the line was again formed, but it was 
not until eight that they got started for Williamsburg via Charles 
City Court House. Thus were we fifteen hours getting started ; 
it seems to me that those in charge of our part of this movement 
should have known that considerable time would have been con- 
sumed to transport that large supply train, and have left us in 
camp until the morning of the i6th. and not taken us out there 



1862] TO THE RELIEF OF POPE 8il 

to He in the road all night. The road was very dusty, rising in 
clouds so that one could hardly see ten yards distant; after a 
march of about twelve miles, a halt was made for the night, about 
half past three in the afternoon. Leaving camp at half past six 
the next morning we passed Charles City Court House about 
9 o'clock; there a halt was made for nearly two hours; about ii 
o'clock started again, the road occupied by the artillery and 
wagons, the infantry marching through the fields on each side, 
and continued so until about lo o'clock at night when they arrived 
at the Chickahominy River, where we found but a single pontoon 
bridge was thrown across, over which the entire army was ex- 
pected to cross, and were still crossing. At 5 o'clock in the morn- 
ing of August 1 8th, the line was reformed as our turn had come, 
and at half past five the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment again 
crossed the Chickahomin}' River. Below were two or three 
gun-boats. From their sides bristled the guns ready to open their 
mouths upon the enemy that should interfere with our crossing. 
After crossing, the Regiment was marched a short distance 
and halted. The men then had a chance to wash up. At 11 
o'clock made another move of about five miles and camped for 
the night ; at about half-past six the next morning left camp and 
arrived at Williamsburg at ten, but halted for about two hours 
outside the town, and at 12 o'clock marched through the town 
with bands playing and colors flying; then through the fortifica- 
tions, still in good state of preservation, needing only the guns and 
men to make them strong enough to resist any attack, continuing 
on through the woods beyond, which still plainly told of the fierce 
conflict that had been fought in them, by the marks upon the trees 
and their broken limbs and trunks cut oflf by shot and shell, 
when Hooker fought this battle and carried these works. About 
3 o'clock we halted for the night, having marched near fifteen 
miles. About 8 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, continued 
the march and about noon arrived in sight of the York River, a 
few miles above Yorktown, and soon after camped for the night. 
Soon the river was lined with men washing themselves and their 
clothes, others hunting for oysters and crabs, which were found 
by those who took the trouble to hunt and fish for them, while 
others made free with some young "porkers" found near the camp, 



84 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

and soon the old hogs had to go, as the men felt in need of a 
change of diet from crackers and coffee. 

Reveille was sounded the next morning, August 21st, at 3 
o'clock, but line was not formed until seven, and at eight started, 
and in an hour arrived at the fortifications around Yorktown, 
passing through them and the town with colors flying and the 
band again playing; then through the fortifications on the other 
side and continued with frequent halts until about 4 o'clock, when 
they arrived at Big Bethel, where a halt was made and the men 
directed to get supper and- what rest they could as at 2 o'clock 
they were awakened and again pressed forward rapidly, and about 
7 o'clock on the morning of August 22d arrived at the forks of 
the Hampton and Newport News roads, where a halt was made 
for half an hour; then continued and arrived at Newport News 
about half-past nine, in a heavy thunder shower, which continued 
until about 1 1 o'clock and were camped on the James River, about 
two miles from Newport News, there to await transportation by 
two boats, which Avere daily arriving and departing with their 
living freight, transporting that large army back to Alexandria 
and vicinity. 

Our turn did not come until the 25th, when, about 7 o'clock, 
the brigade broke camp and marched to the wharf at Newport 
News and boarded the steamer "Hero", which took the One 
Hundred and Sixth, the Sixty-Ninth and the Seventy-Second 
Regiments out to the large steamer "Baltic", of the Collins Line, 
plying between New York and Liverpool, now lying out in the 
middle of the stream or bay. All day was consumed in loading 
these three regiments and their effects. Remained at anchor 
during the night ; at 5 o'clock the next morning steamed away, 
having in tow a large ship named "The Planter, of New York", 
loaded with cavalrymen and their horses ; rounding Fort Monroe 
and up the bay, with other steamers ahead and behind us, loaded 
with troops, heading the same way. About half past 5 o'clock 
passed Smith's Point and entered the Potomac, and set the signal 
for a pilot, none coming aboard, anchored for the night about 9 
o'clock. Pilot came aboard about 3 o'clock, but it was about six 
before we got started again, and about noon ran aground, and 
being unable to get off, the steamer "Nellie Baker", which was 



18G2] TO THE RELIEF OF POPE 85 

coming- down the river, was hailed and came alongside and took 
off our Regiment, and continuing up the river landed us at Aquia 
Creek. We were far more comfortable on this steamer, as we 
were not so crowded ; other steamers stopped and took off the 
other regiments and continued up the river with them. We were 
landed at Aquia Creek about 4 o'clock and marched inland for 
about two miles, and were getting ready for camp when we were 
ordered back to the landing, and embarked on the steamer "City 
of Norwich", about 6 o'clock ; here we found General O. O. 
Howard, who had been assigned to the command of our brigade 
until General Burns should return. He had sufficiently recovered 
from the wound received at Fair Oaks, which cost him his right 
arm. 

We left Aquia Creek about 7 o'clock and started for Alexandria, 
where we arrived about 10 o'clock at night. Disembarked about 
5 o'clock the next morning, August 28th, marched through the 
city and about four miles beyond on the road to Fairfax Court 
House, and joined the brigade. 

The next day, August 29th, General Halleck, in a dispatch to 
General McClellan said : "I think you had better place Sumner's 
Corps, as it arrives, near the fortifications, and particularly at 
Chain Bridge." In compliance therewith, towards dark we start- 
ed for the Chain Bridge, a distance of twenty miles, marched until 
midnight, halted and lay down along the roadside. The next 
morning arrived at Chain Bridge, and the men, anticipating a 
few days' rest, and being near the river, began to clean up body 
and clothes, but before night received orders to move at once, and 
pushed on rapidly to Centreville via Fairfax, to join Pope's Army, 
where we arrived at 10 o'clock on the 31st, having made a march 
of about forty miles with only a few hours' rest and part of the 
time in a heavy rain-storm, and some of the men without shoes ; 
continuing towards the battlefield of Bull Run, near where Pope 
had been engaged, but did not arrive there in time to participate 
in the decisive part of that engagement. 

While the Army of the Potomac was lying quietly at Harri- 
son's Landing changes were being made at Washington and with 
other portions of our army. Major-General Henry W. Halleck 
was called from the western armv and made Commander-in-Chief, 



86 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

with headquarters at Washington, and assumed command of 
the whole army. McDowell's Corps had been detached from 
the Army of the Potomac, and with the Corps of Banks and 
Fremont was formed into the "Army of Mrginia". and Major- 
General John Pope, also from the west, was placed in command 
during the latter part of June. General Fremont, not wishing to 
serve under an officer inferior in rank, asked to be relieved, and 
General Sigel was placed in command of his corps. General 
Pope, soon after assuming command, issued an address which 
seemed to reflect upon the commander of the Army of the 
Potomac, and the noble army he commanded, by drawing unjust 
comparisons between the troops of the west and those of the 
east, stating that he came from the west, where "they have always 
seen the backs of their enemies", that his army was for advance 
and not for defence, and was to hear no more of "taking strong 
positions and holding them — of lines of retreat and bases of 
supplies", etc., etc., and announced his headquarters in the saddle. 
Orders were also issued for the withdrawal of the Army of the 
Potomac from the Peninsula, and sent to join Pope, and Mc- 
Clellan relieved from command. In the meantime President Lin- 
coln had issued a call for three hundred thousand additional men, 
for nine months' service. 

Pope's army then lay at Culpepper Court House and at Fred- 
ericksburg, and numbered about forty thousand men. It was 
against this army that the Confederates, about August ist, began 
their movement which led to the Maryland Campaign. On the 
8th, Jackson crossed the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford ; the next day 
attacked part of the forces under General Banks at Cedar 
Mountain, w^here a closely contested fight was fought, and was 
clearly a victory for Jackson, but both sides meeting with heavy 
loss. Our loss is reported at i66i killed and wounded, and 723 
missing, total 2393. Jackson reports 1283 killed and wounded, 
and 31 missing, total 13 14. Jackson then pushed around Pope's 
right flank and got between him and Washington. Pope thought 
he had Jackson penned-up and cut off from all avenues of escape, 
when Jackson again slipped around his flank, and massed his 
troops near Groveton, then turned and attacked Pope furiously 
on August 29th , and thus began the second battle of Bull Run. 



1862] TO THE RELIEF OF POPE 87 

Pope repulsed each assault and reinforced his lines with portions 
of the Army of the Potomac as fast as they arrived and Jackson, 
reinforced by Longstreet, continued the attack until dark. 

On August 30th, Pope attempted to force the enemy's left, but 
as soon as Jackson learned that he was massing his troops on the 
right, he at once attacked his left and by repeated assaults with 
his infantry, ably assisted by his artillery, admirably placed, he 
gradually forced Pope to yield, notwithstanding he was being 
greatly reinforced by McClellan's army as fast as it could arrive, 
and while portions of his line remained firm. Pope ordered a retreat 
which soon became a rout and his whole army was sent flying 
back towards Washington, and the second battle of Bull Run 
not only proved disastrous to Pope, but to the country, and very 
demoralizing to the army. 

As has been stated, our return from the Peninsula was not in 
time for us to participate in the second battle of Bull Rmi, but 
we arrived in time to save Pope's Army from annihilation or 
capture, and our division, after their forced march of over forty 
miles in about fourteen hours, was detailed as rear guard. General 
Sedgwick still in command of the Division, and Brigadier General 
O. O. Howard temporarily in command of our Brigade. On 
September ist, a reconnoissance was made by the Division for 
about three miles. Passing through McDowell's Corps, falling 
back in great confusion, General Sedgwick formed the whole 
Division as a skirmish line, and advanced on the enemy ; this 
movement impressed the enemy with the belief that a large force 
must be in reserve of so large a skirmish line, and arrested their 
onward march, and, expecting an attack, they began to form their 
lines to meet it. Sedgwick thus checked their advance for several 
hours, which was of vital importance to our army on the retreat, 
and, making for Maryland, instead of attacking, Sedgwick with- 
drew to Chantilly. This piece of strategy won for him and his 
command the highest praise. He then continued to fall back, 
and again was our brigade the rear guard of the whole army, as 
on the retreat from Richmond, during the Seven Days' Fight. 
Being closely pressed by the enemy, who at every point attacked 
him, he again formed in line of battle, about a mile and a half to 
the left of the town of Fairfax Court House, earlv on the morn- 



88 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

ing of September 2d, and awaited their attack ; no demonstration, 
however, was made until just as our brigade was leaving, when 
they threw a few shells into our ranks. Sedgwick continued to 
fall back about a mile, to a place called Flint Hill, when the enemy 
again overtook him and again opened with their artillery, using 
not only shot and shell, but railroad iron, and wounded two mem- 
bers of our Regiment. It was necessary to save time as well as 
to put a stop to these repeated attacks, so disposition was made as 
though he intended to make a hasty retreat, and sent our brigade 
quickly to the rear ; by this, they were drawn into an ambush pre- 
pared by Colonel Sully with his Regiment, the First Minnesota, 
and they came so close to that line that their commanding officer 
inquired of our men "Who are you?" Colonel Sully made some 
evasive answer and allowed them to advance within twenty-five 
or thirty yards, and then .commanded '"Fire!" His men being 
prepared, this volley almost annihilated them. What were not 
killed or wounded went flying to the rear, so that they made no 
further attack upon our line. 

It was now dark and Sedgwick pushed on rapidly towards the 
Chain Bridge ; arrived at Langley about midnight, and the men. 
completely worn-out. lay down to sleep, then about half-past 
I o'clock. 

While on the march, about 10 o'clock that night, a fearful panic 
occurred among the troops, a crashing noise was heard in the rear, 
then the rapid tread of horses' feet. Some one yelled, "Clear the 
road", and several horses dashed up the road and hundreds of men 
followed them. Some one injudiciously fired a shot, then others 
began to fire and before it could be stopped no less than one hun- 
dred shots must have been fired ; no one knew what he was firing 
at, and hardly who did fire — and resulted in a loss of eight killed 
and twenty wounded and many others hurt by that mad rush of 
horses and men — all in a few minutes. It appears that a wagon 
broke down and so frightened the horses that they became unman- 
ageable and ran away and dashed into some other horses and they 
started too, their dashing up the road in the darkness impressed 
the men that it was a raid of rebel cavalry, and they became panic- 
stricken and joined in the rush, which was, however, soon quieted 
down, but not before the great damage mentioned above had been 



1862] TO THE RELIEF OF POPE 89 

done. Next morning proceeded to, and crossed the bridge, thence 
to Tenallytown, and encamped. Pope's campaign was ended, 
and, notwithstanding all those fine phrases in his orders, his army 
was badly beaten, driven back with heavy loss, with "Headquart- 
ers still in the saddle", moving rapidly to the rear, disgracefully 
scattered, thousands not stopping until safe within the entrench- 
ments around Washington. 

While lying at Harrison's Landing, the writer was taken very 
sick with the scurvy, and when the movement to go to the relief 
of Pope began, was unable to march with his Regiment for the 
first and only time during the entire three years' service, and was 
sent by the Regimental Surgeon, Dr. Dwindle, with the rest of 
the sick and wounded to be transported by boat to Fort Monroe. 
Unfortunately, some bummers had managed to play off and get 
on the same boat. Upon our arrival at Fort Monroe the captain 
went ashore for orders, and received them, to take us to New 
York as soon as rations could be put on board ; these bummers 
had managed to get some liquor from the boat hands, and while 
we were lying there got drunk and began fighting among them- 
selves, and tumbling over those too sick or too badly wounded to 
get out of their way. Finally, one tumbled overboard, and a boat 
had to be lowered and sent for him. The captain reported this 
condition of affairs and refused to take his vessel to sea with such 
men aboard, as there was no officer there to enforce discipline. 
We were then ordered back to Newport News, and w'ere placed 
in the hospitals there, instead of going to New York ; this was a 
sad and bitter disappointment to those helplessly sick or wounded, 
who expected to get so near home and be among their friends so 
soon. 

In a few days, learning that his Regiment had arrived and were 
embarking on transports, he applied to the surgeon in charge 
for permission to join his Regiment; this the surgeon refused 
to grant, as he was not sufficiently recovered, but the next day 
he took the responsibility and gathered together his things and left 
the hospital, arriving at the river in time to take the last boat to 
the steamer "Baltic" on which were the Sixty-Ninth, Seventy- 
Second and the One Hundred and Sixth Regiments, and reported 
to the colonel for duty, telling him he had left the hospital against 



90 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

the orders of the surgeon in charge. Btit on the night march 
from Alexandria towards the Chain Bridge, he fell down in the 
ranks from weakness, and was carried to one side of the road, 
made comfortable and left to rest, and did not again join the 
Regiment until its return to Fairfax Court House, and returned 
with it and crossed into Maryland. 

An amusing illustration of what soldiers will do to get things 
to eat occurred while thus temporarily absent from the Regiment : 
A party of us had wended our way along, not knowing where 
we were going, until we arrived at the Chain Bridge crossing the 
Potomac River to Georgetown ; the guards would not allow us 
to cross, so we sought a shady place on the bank of the river, 
where we left our things, and, after taking a swim, wandered 
around to see if we could get any information of the Regiment or 
any other news and something to eat. We met one of the many 
wagons carrying things up to the troops garrisoning the forts in 
that neighborhood, who were nine months' men, just from home, 
and were blessed with the means to purchase what to us veterans 
were luxuries, so that these venders were able to do quite a thriv- 
ing business. The man hailed us and asked if we did not wish 
to buy some cider ; some one answered yes, though not one of us 
had a cent. We gathered around his wagon. He got down and 
undid the back of his wagon, got out his glasses, filled them, and 
we drank it. commenting on its fine flavor and good cjuality and 
decided to try another glass. In the meantime, one of the party 
had seen a box in the wagon and had managed to get the side 
curtain loose, and succeeded in finding a bottle of whiskey hidden 
in the straw in the box, and was stealthily removing it when dis- 
covered by the man ; but securing his prize started to run and the 
man after him. Away they went on a full run. and we improved 
the opportunity of continuing to ''sample the r/(/cr", "and each had 
about as much as he wanted. The man, finding it impossible to re- 
cover his bottle of whiskey, and seeing his cider fast disappearing, 
concluded to return to his wagon and save the rest of his stock, but, 
by the time he got back, we had left. A little while elapsed when 
another wagon came over, loaded with watermelons ; this was a 
luxury we had not seen, much less tasted, for a long while ; the 
driver was also anxious to sell to us, and we were just as anxious. 



1862] TO THE RELIEF OF POPE 91 

to purchase of him, yet we had nothing to purchase with. We 
got up on the back, front and sides of his wagon, admired his 
fruit, priced this one and then that one. and when his attention 
was attracted to one side some one on the opposite side would 
shp out a melon. He soon saw his melons disappearing and he 
getting no pay, and having a new wagon of which he was very 
careful, he very kindly said he would give us each a melon if we 
would only get down from his wagon, which ofifer we accepted 
after we each got the melon in our hands ; he then drove off, much 
less in stock, and, perhaps, a wiser man. We were now in for 
it ; our success made us more bold ; we hailed the next man our- 
selves, and found he had apples, cookies, crackers, cheese and 
cider. W^e purchased some of each, which were nicely wrapped 
up and delivered, and he demanded his pay, we told him he would 
be paid at our next pay day ; this he was disposed to resent and 
demanded his pay or return of the goods, but not being able to 
force a compliance of either demand, he was compelled to drive 
on. 

The bridge across the river was very long, and at about one- 
third of the way were stationed guards to prevent the men from 
this side crossing over into Georgetown, and thence to Washing- 
ton, without passes ; they had seen what was going on but were 
unable to leave their posts to offer any protection to the wagons, 
but they did the next best thing they could, and warned the men 
not to stop. One man who had a low, open wagon stopped in- 
side the guard and tied a large canvas over the wagon, and then 
came on. By this time our party had got down on the bridge, 
half way to the guard ; as that man came along we hailed him, 
but he refused to stop ; all hands made a rush for his wagon, 
jumping on behind, trying to undo the canvas ; the man then stood 
up with lines in one hand and whip in the other, and cut alternate- 
ly at the horse and then back at those behind. The boys had 
succeeded in getting the canvas partly undone, and got hold of 
a barrel of apples, but a sudden jolt of the wagon threw them off, 
and the barrel with them ; the top being out, the apples flew in 
every direction ; the man drove on without any further molesta- 
tion, glad, I suppose, to get away, as he made no effort to regain 
his apples. While the boys were helping themselves to the 



92 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

apples, some one spied a company of soldiers coming- towards the 
bridge. Those men who had first suffered had reported their 
misfortune to the troops at the camps above, and a guard was 
detailed to come down and arrest the amateur highwaymen; and 
down they came at double-quick, with bayonets fixed, and were 
nearer the end of the bridge than those on the bridge, so there 
was no chance of getting away that way, and the other guards 
would not allow us to go the other way, so we were in a trap. But 
old soldiers were not so easily caught, and over the sides of the 
bridge we went like so many rats, notwithstanding that that por- 
tion of the bridge was about twenty feet above the river bank, 
so that by the time the guards met not one of us was there. One 
was unfortunate enough to fall into the river, but being a good 
swimmer, he swam around the other side of the pier and hid 
until the guards left. Two others, instead of running as soon as 
they struck the ground, undressed under the bridge and went 
into swim, and when the guards came around and under the bridge 
they were enjoying a good bath, and when questioned as to what 
occurred above, or if they had seen the men that jumped from 
the bridge they said they knew nothing about it, except that they 
saw the men jumping down and run down the river bank ; so down 
went the guards. On reaching the point where I was sitting with 
our knapsacks and equipments, as I had succeeded in getting 
there before them, the officer questioned me very closely ; but, 
denying all knowledge of anything connected with the affair, I 
stated that I was too sick to march with my Regiment, and had 
been sent back to await their return, and that the things I was 
minding belonged to those who were in swimming. But my thin, 
pale face did more than anything I could say, and gave force to 
my words — they believed what I said, and they went on in search 
of the marauders. Had they but lifted the gum blanket covering 
part of our things, a tell-tale watermelon, a few apples and cakes, 
left there b}^ my companions, would have convicted me as the 
receiver of stolen property, if not a participant in the actual steal- 
ing. We did not think it safe to stay there any longer so soon 
packed up and left as soon as possible and, marching out to the 
Fairfax Court House, rejoined the Regiment on its return from 
Centerville. 




Captain Paul J. Hallowell. 
Aug. 28, 1861. Jan. 4, 1863. 

As First Lieutenant of Company H. 

Promoted to Captain, Company B, July 17, 1862. 

Discharged, Jan. 4, 1863. 

COMPANY B. 





5ERGEANT AluN/u C. .SlUANK. 

8, 1861. July I, 1863. 

ided at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
d to Veteran Reserve Corps, July i, 18 



Henry Vaughan. 
Aug. 28, 1861. June 30, 181 

Re-enlisted, Dec. 29, 1863. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company H, June 30, 18 



1862] ANTIETAM 93 



CHAPTER X. 

ANTIETAM. 

WE are back again in Maryland, returned with sad hearts, sad 
at giving up so much ground, gained by the sacrifice of 
so many noble lives, sad for the many we had left behind 
with the unnumbered dead, who had given their lives for their 
country, and sad for the many sent on before, crippled with 
wounds or weakened by disease, many of whom never resumed 
their places in our ranks. Sad, that with all the privations, trials 
and conflicts through which we had passed, and with all that vast 
expenditure of life and resources, that we were no nearer our 
objective point "Richmond". Nothing had been gained; it will 
all have to be gone over again. 

It was now necessary that some additional changes in the army 
should take place. The withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac 
from the Peninsula placed it in the department of General Pope, 
and McClellan was without a command. The disastrous defeat 
of Pope's army and the advance of the enemy towards the National 
Capital rendered it necessary and important that a large and 
effective force should be at once concentrated in Maryland to 
resist the rebel invasion and drive them from our shores. All 
confidence in General Pope was gone and he was relieved from 
the command of that army by the following order : 

Washington, D. C, September 5, 1862. 
Major-General Pope, Arlington. 

The Army of the Potomac and Virginia being consolidated, you 
will report for orders to the Secretary of War. 

Henry W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief. 

General McClellan had told General Halleck that he had learned 
that things were not very satisfactory at the front and urged him 
to go and see for himself, but General Halleck declined, and sent 



94 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

his Adjutant-General, Colonel Kelton. The next morning. Colonel 
Kelton returned and reported that the conditions were much 
worse than reported by General McClellan, that the army was de- 
moralized and falling back ; that he saw at least 30,000 stragglers 
on the road. 

President Lincoln, realizing the affection of the Army of the 
Potomac for their former commander, "Little Mac", and that their 
confidence in him would better enable him to overcome the de- 
moralizing effects of the defeat of the "Army of V'irginia" and 
accomplish what was now required of the whole army now de- 
fending Washington, he and General Halleck went at once to 
General McClellan's house, while he was at breakfast, and directed 
him to at once assume command of the army, and without waiting 
for any preliminaries he did so and took immediate steps to arrest 
the retreat, and the following order was issued : 

Washington, September 2d, 1862. 
General Order No. 122. 

Major-General McClellan will have command of the fortifica- 
tions of Washington, and of all troops for the defence of the 
capital. 

By connnand of M.vjor-General Halleck. 

E. D. TowNSEND, A. A. G. 

But no order was ever issued definitely settling McClellan's 
command and when he made inquiries as to the commander of 
the active column, he was told that that commander had not been 
decided upon, and it never was, until he was afterwards relieved. 
But McClellan, realizing the importance of the active column 
having its commander on the spot, decided the question himself 
by leaving Washington on September 8th, and joining the active 
command, and changing the heading of his orders from "Head- 
quarters Defences of Washington", to "Headquarters Army of 
the Potomac". 

There is no denying, btit that this order gave almost universal 
satisfaction to both officers and men of the army, no matter what 
may have been the opinions of the politicians and some others in 
and around Washington, and a few officers anxious to be advanc- 
ed by his removal. The men only knew that "Little Mac" was 
agfain in command and were satisfied. 



1862] ANTIETAM 95 

The work of reorganizing the army began at once, even while 
on the march. General Sumner in addition to retaining command 
of the Second Corps, had the Twelfth Corps, Banks' old command, 
now commanded by the veteran General Mansfield, under his con- 
trol and formed the center, and General Banks was placed in com- 
mand of the fortifications of Washington, which now included 
the Third Corps, General Heintzelman, Fifth Corps, General 
Porter, and the Eleventh Corps, General Sigel, making about 
70,000 men. Hooker was promoted to the command of the First 
Corps, McDowell's, and the Ninth, Burnside's Corps, was placed 
under General Reno, these two corps forming the right wing 
under General Burnside, and the Sixth Corps and Couch's divi- 
sion of the Fourth Corps, under General Franklin, formed the 
left wing ; this completed the infantry force. The cavalry was 
placed under the command of General Alfred Pleasanton, and 
General H. J. Hunt commanded the reserve artillery. This made 
an efifective force of all arms of about 87,000 men, and was moved 
on to Frederick as follows : Franklin via Darnestown. Dawson- 
ville, Barnsville and Buckeystown on the left ; Sumner in the 
center by way of Rockville. Clarkesburg, Hyattsville and Ur- 
bana : and Burnside on the right via Brookville, Cooksville and 
Ridgeville, our left flank resting on the Potomac river and the 
right on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, thus covering the cities 
of Baltimore and Washington. 

Colonel Banes says : 

The Philadelphia Brigade remained under the connnand of 
General O. O. Howard during the continued absence of General 
Burns. All of the regiments had received additions to their 
effective strength by the return of officers and men who were con- 
valescent from wovmds or sickness. 

The brigade was in good condition, and, although numerically 
weaker, compared with the roster at the time of landing on the 
Peninsula, it had increased its effectiveness by the rough ex- 
periences of war. 

Upon our arrival in our camp at Tenallytown on the Washing- 
ton and Frederick turnpike. General Howard rode to each regi- 
ment of the brigade and addressed them. He spoke very highly 
of their conduct during that campaign, and how well they stood 



96 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

that long and tedious march ; that the brigade had been highly 
complimented by Generals McClellan and Burns, and he himself 
was very much pleased with them, and unless called suddenly 
away, we would remain there for some time and rest, draw our 
pay, new clothes, with plenty of rations, and when we did go, 
would go as new men; then told us to remember that we were 
among friends, and not in Virginia, and must respect the property 
and rights of the citizens. At the close of his address he was 
loudly cheered. 

We were not, however, to remain long at our camp at Tenally- 
town, as Lee's invasion of Maryland, and marching northward, 
compelled us to join the rest of the army pursuing him, and at 
4 o'clock on the afternoon of September 5th we left camp and 
marched about ten miles, and camped within one mile of Rock- 
ville. The next day we passed through Rockville and two miles 
beyond and camped. On the 8th the Regiment went out on 
picket, relieving the 34th New York, returning on the 9th, and re- 
ceived a visit from Lieutenant-Colonel Curry, who had been ex- 
changed on parole. He was warmly received by officers and 
men. He remained until we left camp, and returned to Washing- 
ton. We marched about seven miles that day, and four miles 
further on the loth. 

On the nth, we left camp about 6 o'clock, passing through 
Clarksburg ; pushed on to Hyattsville, about nine miles, meeting 
there the outpost of the enemy ; line of battle was formed, the 
Seventy-First Pennsylvania was deployed as skirmishers, and 
advanced to the woods in our front. Our artillery opened, and 
shelled the woods, the line was then advanced, and dislodged 
them ; but the skirmishing was kept up all night, the One Hundred 
and Sixth Regiment supporting the battery. On the 12th, ad- 
vanced about seven miles, passing the camp occupied by the enemy 
the night previous. Our whole march that day was through the 
fields, fresh plowed ground and meadow, through corn-fields 
and woods, the road being occupied by the artillery and cavalry. 
We camped for the night near LTrbana. On the 13th, we passed 
through Urbana and soon afterwards the city of Frederick. Here 
we met with a royal and patriotic welcome, the whole population 
turning out to cheer us on our way, men giving ice-water and 



1862] ANTIETAM 97 

milk to all who were thirsty, and the women and children supply- 
ing us with pies, cakes and bread, waving their handkerchiefs 
and flags as we passed ; all manifesting the greatest joy on their 
release from the presence of the enemy. We went into camp one 
mile from the city. General McClellan passed us while on the 
march, and as usual was received with cheers along the whole 
line, and upon his entrance into Frederick the people were almost 
Wild ; they blocked the streets, almost covering him and his horse 
with flags, as many as could shaking him by the hand, and all 
cheering him as long as he was in sight. 

No doubt this was the welcome and enthusiasm General Lee 
expected to receive himself when he issued the following stirring 
appeal : 

Head Quarters Army of Northern Virginia, 
near Frederickstown, September 8th, 1862. 

To THE People of Maryland : 

It is right that you should know the purpose that has brought 
the army under my command within the Hmits of your state, so 
far as that purpose concerns yourselves : 

The people of the Confederate states have long watched, with 
deepest sympathy, the wrongs and outrages that have been in- 
flicted upon the citizens of a commonwealth allied to the states of 
the South by the strongest social, political and commercial ties. 

They have seen, with profound indignation, their sister state de- 
prived of every right, and reduced to the condition of a conquered 
province. 

Under the pretense of supporting the Constitution, but in viola- 
tion of its most valuable provisions, your citizens have been arrest- 
ed and imprisoned upon no charge, and contrary to all forms of 
law; the faithful and manly protest against this outrage, made 
by the venerable and illustrious Marylander, to whom in better 
days no citizen appealed for right in vain, was treated with scorn 
and contempt ; the Government of your chief city has been usurped 
by armed strangers ; your Legislature has been dissolved by the 
imlawful arrest of its members ; freedom of the press and of 
speech has been suppressed ; words have been declared ofifences by 
an arbitrary decree of the Federal Executive, and citizens ordered 
to be tried by a military commission for what they may dare to 
speak. 

Believing that the people of Maryland possessed a spirit too 
lofty to submit to such govenment, the people of the South have 
long wished to aid you in throwing ofif this foreign yoke, to enable 



98 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

you again to enjoy the inalienable rights of freemen, and restore 
independence and sovereignty to your state. 

In obedience to this wish our army has come among you, and is 
prepared to assist you with the power of its arms in regaining the 
rights of which you have been despoiled. 

This, citizens of Maryland, is our mission, so far as you are 
concerned. 

No restraint upon your free-will is intended; no intimidation 
will be allowed. 

Within the limits of this army at least, Marylanders shall once 
more enjoy their ancient freedom of thought and speech. 

We know no enemies among you, and will protect all, of every 
opinion. 

It is for you to decide your destiny, freely and without con- 
straint. 

This army will respect your choice whatever it may be, and while 
the Southern people will rejoice to welcome you to your natural 
position among them, they will only welcome you when you come 
of your own free-will. 

R. E. Lee, 
General commanding. 

This was certainly a very manly appeal, looking from their side. 
yet it had very little effect ; there was no enthusiastic reception 
given them, nor any record of any material aid ftirnished, either 
of men or resources. 

General Lee had organized his army into two columns: the right, 
commanded by General James Longstreet, contained the divisions 
of Lafayette McLaws, R. H. Anderson, D. R. Jones, J. G. Walker 
and J. B. Hood ; the left, commanded by General Thomas J. Jack- 
son (Stonewall Jackson) contained the divisions of D. H. Hill, 
A. P. Hill, J. R. Jones and A. R. Lawton. The cavalry was 
under General J. E. B. Stuart and the artillery under General W. 
N. Pendleton, altogether numbering about 60,000 men. 

On the 14th, left camp early, but did not gain much headway 
for awhile, as we went some distance on the wrong road, and had 
to turn back almost to our starting point. We could distinctly 
hear the cannonading in the direction of South Mountain, and 
this had the usual effect upon our brave commander Sumner, who 
became very restless, and he urged us rapidly forward ; and as 
we wended our way up over the high Catoctin Mountain we could 



1862] ANTIETAM 99 

see the shelling, and hear the volleys of musketry ; see the differ- 
ent bodies of troops moving along the roads ; but it was about 
dark as we wound our way down into the Middletown Valley, and 
soon after went into camp, having marched about sixteen miles. 
We were not left to rest long, as at midnight the assembly called 
us to arms. After a hasty preparation, we moved forward rapidly 
for about six miles through the fields, fording a small stream 
about one and a half feet deep, and rested about 3 o'clock at a 
point near Fox's Gap. 

As soon as it was daylight, we found that where we lay had 
been contested ground. In an adjoining field were about 400 
prisoners, that had been captured the day before, encamped under 
guard. We moved on about two miles, and again rested on the 
battlefield of the previous day. The large number of the enemy's 
dead that lay all over the field told how hotly contested the fight 
had been at that point, and their heavy loss. A surgeon and five 
men came in with a flag of truce to obtain the bodies of General 
Garland and two colonels, who were killed and left within our 
lines. 

The battle of South Mountain, or, as designated by the Con- 
federates, the battle of Boonsboro, was fought by the troops under 
Reno and Hooker at Fox's and Turner's Gaps, and by Slocum at 
Crampton's Gap, about five miles further south, all of which the 
enemy defended. His object being to delay the advance of our 
army that he might protect his wagontrainandunitehisarmy, part 
of which under Longstreet was at Hagerstown and part under Jack- 
son was encompassing Harper's Ferry with a view to its capture, 
which he accomplished, owing to the cowardice of the officer 
commanding there, Colonel Dixon S. Miles, who, without making 
an}^ effort to hold it or extricate his troops, surrendered it with over 
twelve thousand men and artillery and munitions of war. Reno 
began the fight at South Mountain early in the morning by an 
attack on Fox's Gap, and Hooker on the right in the afternoon, 
at Turner's Gap, both continuing it until after dark. Our men 
had to attack Hill's Division in their well-selected position at those 
gaps, charge up the mountain side, and fight their way from posi- 
tion to position, until they finally by a successful flank movement 
by Meade on the right, drove them from the mountain, notwith- 



100 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

standing that Hill had been strongly reinforced by Longstreet, 
who had turned back from Hagerstown, and Slocum by a gallant 
charge drove back Cobb and Semmes from their position at 
Crampton's Gap and swept over the mountain, capturing 400 
prisoners, four colors and one gun, and the battle of South Moun- 
tain was won, and a victory for us. But General Lee had accom- 
plished his object, and delayed our army long enough to extricate 
his wagon trains from their perilous position, and enabled Jackson 
to capture Harper's Ferry, and join Lee in time to fight at Antie- 
tam. Our loss was very heavy amounting to 2,511 in killed, 
wounded and missing, including the death of General Jesse L. 
Reno. Their loss was equally heavy, including General Garland 
and Colonels Gayle and Strange killed, and about 1,500 prisoners, 
a total of little over 3,000. Our loss at Harper's Ferry was : 
killed 44, wounded 173, prisoners 12,520, total 12,737. 

Continuing our march over the mountain, we passed through 
Boonsboro, about 3 o'clock, receiving the same generous hospi- 
tality that was accorded us at Frederick. About 5 o'clock we 
halted in a wood and rested until dark ; then continued and passed 
through Keedysville, and went into camp about two miles further 
on, having marched about thirteen miles. At intervals during 
the day additional squads of prisoners were taken past us to the 
rear. 

On the i6th, shortly after daylight, while lying in camp, the 
enemy opened on us with their artillery from their lines on the 
Antietam Creek, and for a little while poured shot and shell into 
us pretty lively, killing one man and wounding four others. Our 
batteries soon replied, and silenced them. We made no movement 
that day, but were ordered to pack everything in our knapsacks so 
as to leave them behind, and in the evening each man received 
eighty rounds of ammunition. In the afternoon Hooker crossed 
with his corps, over the Antietam Creek, drove in the enemy's 
advanced line and secured a good position. 

At 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning, September 17th, we began 
our movement towards that part of Maryland destined to be long 
remembered as the ground on which one of the hardest fought 
battles of the war took place. It was a beautiful bright day that 
was to witness so fierce a combat. Leaving our knapsacks and 



1862] ANTIETAM 101 

everything that would be Hkely to interfere with rapid movement, 
the command started in Hght marching order. 

The cannonading began at davHght. as Hooked began to advance 
his corps from the position he had attained the night before and 
attacked the enemy's left under Hood, and step by step his three 
divisions, under Doubleday, Meade and Ricketts, drove Hood from 
the east wood, through a field of standing corn, across the 
Hagfrstown pike, when Hood was reinforced by D. H. Hill, and 
stopped Hooker's advance and finally drove him back through 
that cornfield and to the right. Hooker, seeing the guns of his 
pursuers glistening through the standing corn directed all of 
his batteries that could bring their guns to bear upon that field 
to open fire upon it ; the slaughter was fearful. We quote Hook- 
er's own words describing the result of that fire, "Every stalk 
of corn in the greater part of that field was cut as closely as could 
be done with a knife, and the slain lay in rows precisely as they 
stood in their ranks a few minutes before. It was never my for- 
tune to witness a more dismal battlefield". It was then that 
Mansfield's Corps, sent to Hooker's assistance by General Sumner 
arrived upon the field, but before he had time to get his troops 
engaged. General Mansfield fell mortally wounded. General 
Williams succeeded him in command, and he pressed forward to- 
wards the Dunker Church, slowly gaining ground, but meeting 
with heavy loss. When Edrly emerged from the wood west of 
the Hagerstown road, he threw his whole force upon Williams, 
driving him back. He had no support. Hooker was badly 
wounded, and Meade placed in command of his corps and with- 
drew it from the field. Williams was fast losing the ground 
gained, when General Sumner arrived with his corps, having 
waded the Antietam at the same ford, near Fry's Mills, at which 
a portion of Hooker's Corps had crossed the night before, at 
one of the four bridges that cross the Antietam near Keedysville. 
The water was over knee deep, running swiftly, and it was with 
difficulty that the men kept part of their ammunition dry, as many 
carried about half of it in their pockets. 

Our Division was commanded by General Sedgwick, who had 
just been promoted and tendered the command of the Twelfth 
Corps, but he preferred to remain with and fight his old division 



102 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

once more, and was on the advance or right of the corps ; Third 
Division under French next, and the First Division under Richard- 
son on the left. Our Brigade, still commanded by General Howard, 
was on the right as we moved in three lines and crossed the creek. 
When all were across, the line was halted and then faced to the 
left. This brought the division in three lines of battle with the 
First Brigade under General Gorman in the first line, followed by 
the Third Brigade under General Dana, and our brigade forming 
the third line, the Seventy-First Regiment on the right with the 
One Hundred and Sixth on their left, then the Sixty-Ninth and 
the Seventy-Second, the left of the line. For nearly a mile, almost 
due west, our line advanced through woods and fields, over fences 
and through a barn yard, all of which tended greatly to break the 
line and cause more or less confusion, but they closed up prompt- 
ly and continued to advance now southwesterly, over the ground 
gained and lost by Hooker and Mansfield. Emerging from the 
east woods east of the road into that famous cornfield, thence 
obliquely over the Hagerstown turnpike, subjected to a terrible 
artillery fire, being all the time greatly encouraged by the brave 
Howard, who rode behind the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, 
speaking quietly to the men of his brigade, saying: "Steady men, 
don't hurry" ; "Get over the fence carefully" ; "Be careful of your 
guns ;" "Keep the muzzles well up ;" "Don't hurt any one with 
your bayonets". . . .Stubbornly and solidly did we push our way 
over the ground now covered with the dead and wounded of both 
armies, General Howard again urging vis to keep steady, and "be 
careful not to step on those poor men", meaning the wounded. 
A correspondent of a New York paper, who had gotten well 
up front in the east wood, where he had an excellent view of 
the whole of that part of this battlefield, thus graphically describes 
Sedgwick's Division going into action. 

As it's head rode the grim and dauntless old Sumner with his 
staff and small cavalry escort. There too, was the intrepid "Uncle 
John" Sedgwick, ahout to lead his column of hope, the hitherto 
unbeaten "Second Division" into battle to retrieve the awful 
mishap to Hooker. All were "full of ginger", undaunted by the 
all pervading evidence of rout. 

The battles lines fully deployed. They are pressing steadily for- 
ward, gay with flaunting colors, glorious with resolute purpose. 




1^ 



iri 






1862] ANTIETAM 103 

stimulating cheers, and encouraging shouts. The first Hne swung 
by in stately style, slightly curved, with a convex front to the 
enemy. There was another line that moved past with a twisting 
formation. And yet another* line forged quickly ahead. Officers 
with waving swords rode along the rear of the lines and shouted 
loud commands and words of encouragement. Down went onef 
from his horse, which reared and fell upon his rider, whose men 
rush to his rescue. As the third* line passed, the slimy trail of 
battle came in view behind it, for the field was speckled with the 
'first crop of its ghastly harvest ready to be gathered. 

The last of the charging lines had gone beyond, and was sweep- 
ing majestically into the jaws of death, when the mass seemed 
to halt, while from the front line sprouted forth a long angry sheet 
of flame from innumerable gun-barrels. Men were falling fast 
now. as unseen batteries were pelting the lines with an iron storm, 
and the Confederate bullets were finding the object of their flight. 
It was pitiful to see the men drop, at times in groups, knocked 
over by solid shot, or riddled with musket and rifle balls or bits 
of shell or case or canister. 

Cheered by their mounted and line officers, the lines advance 
and pass on. without halt or hesitation, and then, the battle vanish- 
ed as a fading vision, while a thick cloud of smoke rolled by like a 
blinding fog and hid them from view. 

From the above description it will be seen that the advance 
of otir Division was certainly one of the finest sights of the 
war. Striking the Hagerstown pike obliquely, the right first 
reaching it and climbing the post and six-rail fence on each side, 
pushed on into the west woods that surrounded the Dunker 
Church, the left of the line reaching to the church and the right 
continuing across the open field beyond and into the woods, ful- 
filling General Sedgwick's orders to "Push into the woods", which 
sheltered us from their artillery fire, they also using canister with 
terrible efifect. Adjutant Pleis had his horse shot from under 
him and instantly killed by a roinid shot, before reaching the 
Hagerstown road. The First Brigade under Gorman, closely 
followed by the Third under Dana, and that by the Second under 
Howard, was pressing through the woods and down a slight in- 
clination when they uncovered the enemy under McLaws, who 
had just arrived from Harper's Ferry, then massing in a cornfield 
below them, beyond which rose quite an elevation on which their 

*The Philadelphia Brigade. 

t Adjutant Pleis of the io6th Penna. 



104 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

batteries were placed. The infantry opened with volley after 
volley into our line as soon as it came into sight and the artillery 
poured into us a heavy fire of shot and shell. Our advance halted 
and at once opened fire. Early and Starke joined jMcLaws and 
the fire became intense. Gorman met them with successive 
volleys, but his men could not stand that combined attack and that 
terrible fire, so gave way and back they came through Dana's line, 
destroying its usefulness, and carried most all of it back with 
them and would no doubt have carried our brigade too, but for 
the coolness and prompt action of its commander, General How- 
ard, who instructed them to lie down and reserve their fire, and 
as soon as his front was cleared of the retreating troops, gave 
the order to fire. Its efifectiveness checked their advance, and had 
he been supported could have held his ground, designated by 
General Jackson as the key of the battlefield. 

Lieutenant James C. Lynch, then in command of Company A 
of the One Hundred and Sixth, called the attention of Colonel 
Owen, of the Sixty-Ninth, to their column, now plainly visible 
on our left flank ; Colonel Owen said he saw them and had called 
General Howard's attention to them, and he had replied that he 
knew it, but his orders were to move right oblique. At this mo- 
ment General Sumner rode in front of our brigade from left to 
right, his hat in hand, his white locks blown by the breeze, his eye 
flashing fire, gave an order which our men thought was to charge, 
and answered him with a cheer, rose up, began to fix bayonets, 
but the General cried "Back Boys, for God's sake move back; 
you are in a bad fix". He had seen the enemy fast getting around 
our flank, and had sent two dift'erent aides with orders to General 
Howard to change front on the left to meet them, but one was 
killed and the other wounded, and General Howard never re- 
ceived the order ; so General Sumner rode up himself to save his 
men, and, waving his hat backwards, the men understood and 
reluctantly began to retire in good order. For the first time in 
its history was Sedgwick's Division compelled to retire before the 
enemy, and its brave commander twice wounded, refusing to 
leave the field when first wounded. As we emerged from the 
woods the enemy opened with their artillery a terrific fire of 
canister from batteries thev had rushed into position on our left 



1862] ANTIETAM 105 

flank, with terrible effect, and then their infantry rushed into the 
gap, poured volley after volley into the flank of our now retreat- 
ing line ; this hastened our retreat and broke our line, then mov- 
ing rapidly off towards the right, causing a very heavy loss, 
especially in the Seventy-Second Regiment, then on the left. 

Colonel Morehead's horse was shot from under him, and, falling, 
held him fast until released by Sergeant Joseph Taylor and Cor- 
porals McNeal and Stephen Taylor of Company C. After going 
some distance to the rear the Colonel found he had lost his sword, 
a handsome one, that had been presented to him by the Regi- 
ment, and went back after it, though urged not to do so by the 
men, but he said, "Yes I will, that sword was given me by my men 
and I told them I would protect it with my life and never see 
it dishonored, and I am not going to let them damned rebels get 
it", so he went back to where his horse lay and got it and returned 
in safety to the regiment although the enemy was near enough to 
demand his surrender, and fired at him because he refused. 

Arriving at a fence, running at right angles to the Hagerstown 
pike across the open field north of the Dunker Church, an effort 
was made to rally and check the advance of the now elated enemy, 
who were emerging from the woods in large numbers. Here 
Sergeant Benjamin F. Sloanaker, of Company C, Color Sergeant, 
and W'ith Sergeants Rose and Foy of Company H, planted the 
colors on the fence and called upon the Regiment to "rally on 
the colors". Captain Allen and Lieutenant Tyler rallied the 
other men. calling upon them to stand by their colors, and stand 
they did, detachments of other regiments joining them. Col- 
onel Morehead opened fire, pouring volley after volley in quick 
succession into the advancing enemy, who, thinking they had 
struck our second line, checked their advance, and finally fell 
back under cover of the wood. Colonel Morehead, though in- 
jured by the fall of his horse, remained on the field. 

A portion of the Regiment, principally Company A, had fallen 
back part of the way to some haystacks further to the right 
of the position, where the Regiment made its stand, and there 
formed and opened fire. It was joined by a detachment of a 
Massachusetts regiment under a captain, who was almost in- 
stantly killed upon reaching there, by a round shot. (We have 



106 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

since been informed that this was the Fifteenth Massachusetts.) 
These detachments from this point opened fire, and by their well- 
directed and constant volleys materially assisted in checking that 
advance. This detachment soon after joined the Regiment, and 
went with it to the support of the artillery. We cannot pass on, 
without referring to the personal gallantry of Sergeant Charles 
E. Hickman of Company A, who, with his gun in both hands 
across his body, marching backwards all the way, called upon his 
men to keep steady, and by his example kept the company closed 
up, and then in good order retired, firing as they fell back. Here 
Sergeant Hickman gave his life for his country, being instantly 
killed. 

This ended the contest in our front. The One Hundred and 
Sixth Regiment then fell back still further to the right, and again 
formed between a house and barn, receiving many of the members 
that had been separated from them, and was then ordered by 
General Howard back, and around to the left to support the artil- 
lery, and took their position in the edge of the woods on the east 
side of that cornfield, being the same woods through which they 
advanced early in the morning. Now known as the "East 
Woods". 

In the meantime. French with his Division was manfully trying 
to keep up with Sedgwick, but meeting the formidable lines of D. 
H. Hill in his front and extending far on his left, he was unable to 
do so, but slowly and persistently he pushed forward and gradu- 
ally forced Hill from his position at the Roulette House, but Hill,^ 
reinforced by Anderson, persisted in keeping east of the Hagers- 
town road and took up a strong position in a sunken road. Rich- 
ardson with his Division extended French's line to the left and 
attacked Hill and Anderson. Irwin and Brooke's Brigades from 
Franklin's Corps were sent to reinforce Richardson, who, push- 
ing Irwin's Brigade across the Hagerstown pike, cleared the 
ground around the Dunker Church, and a gallant charge of two 
regiments from Caldwell's Brigade, led by Colonel Barlow, finally 
drove Hill from the sunken road and the battle ended on that 
part of the field, but not before the brave General Richardson fell 
mortally wounded and General Hancock was assigned to the com- 
mand of his division. 



1862] ANTIETAM 107 

It cannot be regretted that Sedgwick was compelled to yield 
the ground that had cost so much to gain ; and as has been said, it 
was the first time that his division had been compelled to retreat 
before an advancing enemy in battle, but he had no support and 
no connection, he was in fact alone. Hooker's and Mansfield's 
corps seems to have faded from sight, either withdrawn, or might 
truly be said to have been cut to pieces, but Swinton says : 

Hooker had lost nearly half his effective force by straggling; his 
offensive power was completely gone, for there was nothing left 
of them. 

Not a detachment of either corps was on the ground over which 
Sedgwick advanced, except those assisting the wounded to the 
rear. Sumner had seen Hooker badly wounded, his corps gone, 
and in his report says : 

I saw nothing of his (Hooker's) corps at all as I was advancing 
with my command on the field. * * * * 

(He had advanced with Sedgwick's Division.) 

There were some troops on the left which I took to be Mans- 
field's command, 

and trying to find Hooker's line he further says : 

I sent one of my own staff to find where they were, and General 
Ricketts, the only officer we could find, said he could not raise three 
hundred men of his corps. 

There were therefore no troops in reserve near us, or none that 
could be sent ; Sedgwick could get no support, and therefore had 
to retreat. 

Then, Sedgwick formed his lines, a brigade in each line, too close 
together, only about twenty or thirty paces apart, so that when 
the first line gave way and came back through the second, it 
carried it along with it, and they together broke the effective force 
of the third, which held its ground until ordered back by General 
Sumner in person. Besides, had they not been so close together, 
the rear line could readily have changed front to the left, and pre- 
vented the line being flanked, and perhaps saved most of the heavy 
loss sustained by the division, which was the heaviest of any 
division in that battle, being 355 killed, 1,579 wounded, and 321 
missing; a total of 2,555. 



108 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Again, had French been able to push forward his division more 
rapidly, insisting upon keeping his connection with Sedgwick, the 
enemy could not have got around on Sedgwick's flank, and there 
would have been no necessity of retreat, for the enemy could not 
then have concentrated their ten brigades, with all their artillery, 
against Sedgwick's three brigades. 

And last, it would have been better for Sumner, who accom- 
panied Sedgwick's division, not to have advanced it beyond its 
support. If French could not cross the Hagerstown road, he 
should not have pushed Sedgwick beyond it, except as a flanking 
column against the troops opposing French's further advance; 
one brigade would have been sufficient for that purpose, and, if 
successful, would have had the other two brigades as support; 
then there would have been no gap for the enemy to take advant- 
age of. 

Swinton thus describes our advance : 

Sumner threw Sedgwick's division on his right across the open 
field into the woods opposite — the woods in which Crawford had 
been fighting — he easily drove the shattered Confederate troops 
before him, and held definite possession of the woods around the 
Dunker Church. At the moment that Sedgwick appeared to grasp 
victory in his hands, and the troops of Jackson and Hood were 
retreating in disorder, two Confederate divisions under McLaws 
and Walker reached the field and immediately turned the fortunes 
of the d^y. A considerable interval had been left between Sumner's 
right division under Sedgwick and his centre division under 
French. Through this the enemy penetrated, enveloping Sedg- 
wick's left flank, and, pressing heavily at the same time on his 
front, forced him out of the woods on the west side of the Hagers- 
town road, and back across the open field into the woods on the 
east side of the road — the original position held in the morning. 

General Sedgwick being w'ounded. General Howard assumed 
command of the division, and Colonel Owen the brigade. 

Colonel Palfrey is in error when he says in his book, "Antietam 
and Fredericksburg", page 87: "The third line, the Philadelphia 
Brigade so called, was the first to go." It did not leave the zvood 
until ordered to do so by General Sumner, and then not until after 
the first and second lines had broken, and portions of them were 
coming back through the line of the Philadelphia Brigade. Gen- 



1862] ANTIETAM 109 

eral Isaac J. Wistar, then Colonel commanding the Seventy-First 
Pennsylvania, the right of our brigade, in a letter to the writer 
says: 

I personally saw the second line break before the wild ru,sh of 
fugitives from the front line, and for a few minutes my greatest 
difficulty was from these fugitives, since they masked the fire of the 
Seventy-First. 

In his letter replying to Colonel Palfrey, he says : • 

Upon the integrity of this last line, which he (Palfrey) com- 
plained was "the first to go", now depended the entire right of the 
line, and a stern resistance was maintained by it, both to the 
fugitives and the enemy. 

General Sumner did not try "to face it about, preparatory to a 
change of front", but waved them back, hat in hand, using the 
words "Back, boys, for God's sake back". He had sent orders 
twice to General Howard to change front to the left, but General 
Howard never received them on account of one aide being killed 
and the other wounded. 

Again the brigade was not "the first to go", but when General 
Sumner rode in their front and gave the command to move back 
there were no troops in their front, and the men, thinking he 
wanted them to charge, rose up cheering and some fixed bayonets, 
and when they understood what he wanted moved hack well in 
hand, and not as Palfrey says: "In spite of all efiforts to restrain 
them", and they were the last to go, but upon emerging from the 
woods and receiving that terrible flank fire of artillery and infantry 
their line became broken and all formation lost. 

The writer has already shown that the One Hundred and 
Sixth Regiment moved back zvell in hand, and Colonel Wistar 
further says of the Seventy-First : 

Under its surviving Captain (all of the field officers were 
wounded and left upon the ground), what was left of it marched 
to the rear, served with fresh cartridges, called its roll and re- 
ported to General Meade, ready for any duty, and was put into 
action by that gallant General within half an hour. 

This regiment was cut ofi^ from the Division, and General Meade, 
then commanding a Division of the Pennsylvania Reserves, was 



110 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1862 

the first General officer the Captain then in command, met, and, 
knowing that the Regiment was still capable of some service, re- 
ported to him, as he had called for aid. He placed it again in 
action. 

Palfrey again errs when he says : "There were no fences at that 
part of the pike where they crossed" ; for there was a fence on 
each side of the pike, a strong post and six-railed fence, that the 
One Hundred and Sixth Regiment had to climb and the mounted 
officers ride some distance to the right to get through an opening, 
and many members of the Regiment will remember the dead rebel 
hanging on that fence. He is also in error when he states that: 
"It is doubtful whether the third line even entered the west wood". 
* * * "If they did, they did not stay long". They not only enter- 
ed the wood, but advanced through it down the slight inclination 
until the cornfield beyond, in which the enemy was concealed, and 
the elevation on which their batteries were placed, were plainly 
visible, and they stayed there longer than either of the other two 
brigades, which we grant was not long, but long enough to receive 
from General Sumner himself the order to move back. 

In the afternoon the scattered portions of the Regiment were 
withdrawn back to the edge of the woods, east side of the corn- 
field east of the Hagerstown road, supporting artillery, where they 
remained for the night and the next morning rejoined the brigade. 

Colonel Wistar closes his letter, after referring to the quality 
and service of the gallant regiments of the other brigades, as 
follows : 

It is to be regretted that they should have possessed a single 
officer willing to give currency to unfounded statements, to the 
prejudice of other troops of equal merit, who, on the same field 
and in the same corps and division, loyally and cheerfully shed 
their blood in the same cause. 

About noon, after the contest had ceased in our front, General 
l^)Urnside began his attack on the left and tried to force his way 
over the stone bridge in his front, but after three attempts gave 
it up and sent Rodman's Division down the stream to cross at 
a ford. This they did and came up on the other side, fighting their 
way against Tomb's Division, then Burnside made the final 
attempt to carry the bridge by assault and by a gallant charge of 



1862] ANTIETAM 111 

the Fifty-First Pennsylvania, Colonel Hartranft, and the Fifty- 
First New York, Colonel Potter, with bayonets fixed and on a run, 
they captured the stone bridge, under a heavy fire from Tomb's 
Division that defended it, which will ever after be known as 
Burnside's Bridge. Sturgis' and Wilcox's Divisions were hurried 
across to help Rodman who was fiercely attacked by A. P. Hill's 
Division, just arrived from Harper's Ferry, and had forced his 
way through a gap between Rodman and Wilcox, inflicting a very 
heavy loss on Rodman, who fell trying to rally his men. Sturgis 
was thrown into the gap and succeeded in driving Hill back and 
connecting with Wilcox, and the Battle of Antietam was over. 

The loss to both armies was very heavy, ours being 2,010 killed, 
9,416 wounded and 1,043 missing, making a total of 12,469, and in- 
cluded many good and prominent officers, principally Major- 
Generals James R. F. Mansfield and Isaac B. Richardson, Brigad- 
ier General Isaac P. Rodman and Colonels Kingsbury, of Con- 
necticut ; Hinks and Dwight, of Massachusetts ; Crossdale, Childs 
and McNeill, of Pennsylvania, and Coleman, of Ohio, killed and 
Generals Hooker, Sedgwick. Crawford, Dana and Hartranft, 
wounded. 

As far as can be ascertained the Confederates' loss was 14,000. 
Lee, in his reports, sums up 1.567 killed, 8,274 wounded, total 
10,291, to which is to be added the missing; but by a collation of 
subsidiary reports appended, shows at least 2,000 killed, 10,000 
wounded and 5,000 missing, making a total of 17,000. It was 
certainly heavier than our own, and included Generals Starke, 
and Newton, of Georgia ; Tew and Douglass, of North Carolina ; 
Liddell and Barnes, of Mississippi, killed, and Generals Lawton, 
Anderson, Gregg, J. R. Jones, Ripley and Rhoades, wounded. 

The Twenty-Seventh Georgia had every commissioned officer 
killed, and the Fourth North Carolina every officer killed or 
wounded. 

As has been stated, Sedgwick's Division sustained the heaviest 
loss of any division on our side, being 355 killed, 1,579 wounded 
and 321 missing, total 2555, and our Brigade lost 93 killed, 379 
wounded and Jt^ missing, total 545. Of these the One Hundred 
and Sixth contributed the following: Two officers and thirteen 
men killed, two officers and fifty-three men wounded and two men 



112 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

missing, making a total of fifteen killed, fifty-five wounded and 
two missing, total seventy-two. 

The killed were : Captain Timothy Clark and Lieutenant Wil- 
liam Bryan, of Company F, and Sergeant Charles E. Hickman, 
and Privates Joshua Beckley and Patrick Scullen of Company A ; 
Sergeant John H. Chambers, of Company B ; Corporal William 
M'Neal and Private William A. Dibble, of Company C ; Privates 
Thomas Daud. George G. Mason and Elwood Rodebaugh, of 
Company D ; Private John McLaughlin, of Company E ; Sergeant 
Richard Sanders, of Company F ; Privates Walter Leggett, of 
Company G, and Henry Diemer, of Company H. 

The wounded were : 

Company A. 

Sergeant Crewe, Corporals Steinmetz and Walton, and Privates 

Connelly, Morris, Nichols, Sharpley, Smith and Waldron. 

Coynpany B. 
Lieutenant John A. Steel, Sergeant A. C. Schank, Private John 
Masterson. 

Company C. 
Sergeants Neiler, Taylor, Corporals Baile, Ward, Privates Ar- 
buckle, Cole and Spencer. 

Company D. 
Privates Etler, E. J. Holcomb and Kendall. 

Company E. 
Corporals Stroup, Hart, Schaer and Privates Montenay and 
Rice, who died from same. 

Company F. 
Sergeant Clark Whitmoyer, Privates Cofifman, Howlett, Liver- 
good, Lucke, Pfoust and Soars. 

Company G. 
Privates Ehler and Townsend. 

Company H. 
Sergeant Rose, Weideiman, and Privates Anderson, Miller and 
Rawnsley. 

Company I. 
Sergeant Witter, Privates Outen, McNalley and Sterling. 




Captain Ralph W. P. Allen. 
Aug. 13, 1861. Jan. g, 1863. 

Promoted to Lieut. -Colonel, 188th P. V., Jan 9. i£ 



Sergeant Thko L. Lockekman. 

Aug. 19, 1S61. Nov. 14, 1863 

Promoted to Lieutenant, 137th P. V., Nov. 14, 1863. 



COMPANY C. 




Sfrgeant George W. White. 
Sept. 2, 1861. Feb. 9, 

Discharged, Feb. 9, 1863. Disability 



1862] ANTIETAM 113 

Company K. 
Corporal Henry Darrah, and Privates Clark, McBride, McCann, 

McGinn, McGuffin, INlcVey and Ward. Darrah and McVey 

dying from same. 
Captured : — Privates Steinrook, of Company B, and Paddock of 

Company K. 

As to the number of troops engaged, the same diversity of 
opinion that usually occurs as to estimates of opposing forces is 
again used in giving the estimated number of each army engaged 
at Antietam. General Lee in his official report as published in 
"Reports of the Army of Northern Virginia", says : 

The great battle was fought by less than forty thousand men on 
our side, all of whom had undergone the greatest labors and hard- 
ships in the field and on the march. 

Colonel Taylor in his "Four Years with General Lee", puts the 
number down at 35,255. but if this estimate is made up in the 
same ratio as General D. R. Jones' statement in regard to his 
division, who said he had but 2,430 men in his six brigades, 
containing tzventy-seven regiments, and then adds that two regi- 
ments had 403, leaving but 2,027 to be divided among 25 regi- 
ments, that would mean not over eighty men to a regiment. I 
think we may safely discredit General Lee's report and put them 
down at 60,000. 

McClellan in his report put his force at 87,164. Of these the 
Fifth and Sixth Corps and the Cavalry Division, all numbering 
according to the same report 29,550, were not engaged, would 
leave but 57,614 of our troops actually reported present for duty. 
From these there must be considerable reduction to arrive at those 
actually engaged, for Hooker, whose corps is reported as having 
14,856, says he took into action but 9,000 men, and Williams, who 
succeeded to the command of Mansfield's Corps, which is reported 
as having 10,126 men, says his corps numbered but 7,000. Taking 
the same ratio of reduction throughout the whole army, which is 
but fair as the reports show all those marked present for duty, 
and include all non-combatants such as musicians, teamsters, 
hospital and ambulance details, besides the guards that were left 
behind to guard the knapsacks and regimental property, and we 
would have the following-: 



114 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

First Corps. Report 14,856 present for duty, but took into action only about 9,000 men. 

Second " " 18,813 " " " ' 11,500 

Fifth " •' 12,930 " " " " 

Sixth " " 12,300 " " " " 

Ninth " " 13,8'4 " •• " " 9,00'> 

Twelfth " " 10,126 " " " " 7,000 

Fourth " & Cav'y " 4,320 " " " " 

87,164 36,5C0 

To this may be added that portion of the Sixth Corps that 
moved into position in the afternoon, but was not actively engaged, 
and we will put down our number at 40,000, and we have both 
armies about equal in point of numbers, for General Lee says, 
"the battle was fought by less than 40,000", and not that his re- 
ports show he had 40,000. Now his line was formed as a semi- 
circle, curved outward, and as McClellan attacked his line at only 
one place at a time, beginning on their left and ending on their 
right, Lee was enabled to move his forces from left to right, and 
some of the same troops that fought in the morning on his left 
were also engaged in the afternoon on his right, or acted as 
support to those engaged. 

Swintpn speaks of this invasion as follows : 

Its failure was signal. Designed as an invasion, it degenerated 
into a raid. Aiming to raise the standard of revolt in Maryland, 
and rally the citizens of that state around the secession cause, it 
resulted in the almost complete disruption of that army itself. In- 
stead of the flocks of recruits he had expected, Lee was doomed to 
the mortification of seeing his force disintegrating so rapidly as to 
threaten its utter dissolution, and he confessed with anguish that 
his army was ruined by straggling. 

And Lee, speaking of the hard marching of his men, and the 
want of rest and food, and shoes to their feet, says : 

These causes had compelled thousands of brave men to absent 
themselves, and many more had done so from unworthy motives. 
This great battle was fought by less than forty thousand meu on 
our side. 

While Hill is not so generous in his Report, he says : 

Thousands of thievish poltroons had kept away from sheer 
cowardice ; the straggler is generally a thief, and always a coward. 



1862] ANTIETAM 115 

On the morning of the i8th no movement of either army was 
made. Neither seemed anxious to renew the fight that had cost 
each so much the day before. AlcClellan made no advance to 
again attempt to force Lee from his position, notwithstanding 
that he had Porter's and Frankhn's Corps, numbering about 
twenty-five thousand men that had not yet been engaged. We 
think he should have used them, and again attacked Lee. He 
certainly knew the ground better, its strong as well as its weak 
points, and he had all his resources back of him, while Lee was 
far removed from his, his effective force reduced one half, and 
the rest much demoralized. All this was known to McClellan 
then. We do not propose to add all that has since become known, 
and how easy it would have been to have defeated Lee, as writers 
are too prone to say, when they are in possession of many import- 
ant facts that were unknown at the time. But with such facts as 
above stated, then known to McClellan, we feel bound to repeat 
that he should have renewed the attack as soon as it was daylight 
on the eighteenth, and there would have been no doubt of his suc- 
cess. His excuse was that many commands of his army were 
badly cut up, and many of his prominent leaders were killed and 
wounded. This applied with much more force to the enemy and 
he must have known that no matter how bad he thought his 
army was, Lee's army was much worse. • 

Lee, not able to take the offensive, quietly awaited the attack that 
was not made. So the day following that terrible battle passed 
with both armies quietly facing each other. Early on the morn- 
ing of the 19th, when McClellan had decided to renew the fight, it 
was discovered that Lee had quietly withdrawn and re-crossed 
the Potomac. Porter's Corps was immediately sent in pursuit, and 
at dark crossed a detachment and captured five pieces of artillery, 
the next morning crossing a much larger force ; but the enemy re- 
turned, and with a larger force made a furious onslaught and 
drove Porter's men back across the river with heavy loss, many 
being shot while in the river. 

On the 19th we were moved back to our first position in the 
woods at the edge of that fatal cornfield east of the Hagerstown 
road, where we remained for three days, details being made to 
bury the dead of both armies. As nearly all of the dead of the 



116 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

enemy were left within our lines or on the ground that lay be- 
tween the lines, the larger number of the Confederate dead that 
lay in our front warrants the assertion that their loss was much 
heavier than ours. McClellan states that twenty-seven hundred 
of the Confederate dead were counted and buried by our men. 
The writer visited that now famous cornfield, where the batteries 
of Hooker annihilated almost an entire regiment, that of the 
Twenty-Seventh Georgia, and saw then their line as marked by 
their dead, as it must have been when living, and they, in line of 
battle, advanced to the fight ; there lay almost the entire regiment, 
he saw their three field officers, twenty line officers and nearly 
two hundred men, lying as closely as they had stood in line of 
battle in life. It was heartrending to see such a sacrifice of life. 
Their ragged and worn-out clothes, their many bare and bruised 
feet, told of their want and suffering, and made one almost feel 
glad that death had relieved them of their suffering in such a 
hopeless cause. 

It was impossible to bury the dead fast enough ; the action of the 
sun and the warm weather impregnated the whole atmosphere with 
the foul odors arising from their fast decomposing bodies, and 
those of the enemy became swollen and turned black, so that they 
seemed like so many negroes, and although large details worked 
hard all day loitg, and long trenches were dug in which were 
placed fifty or sixty at a time, yet even then they could not be 
buried fast enough, so that many were put into piles and at 
night burned ; the terrible stench which was blown over our camp 
made it almost unbearable ; one had almost to dig one's nose into 
the ground to get a good breath. We were almost sickened, with 
no appetite to eat, as even the food seemed tainted with the foul 
odor that enveloped us, so that when, at the expiration of three 
days, we received orders to move, it was with the greatest joy, 
and at daylight on the morning of the 22d, we left that camp, and 
forever the battlefield of Antietam. 



1862] McCLELLAN RELIEVED 111 



CHAPTER XI. 

McCLELLAN RELIEVED. 

LEAVING our camp on the battlefield of Antietam at 5.30 on 
the morning" of September 22d, we passed through the 
town of Sharpsburg. Here the terrible havoc of war was 
plainly visible by the shattered houses and deserted town. Almost 
every house showed the marks of shot and shell, and many were 
badly damaged ; nearly all the inhabitants had left and only soldiers 
were occupying the streets ; many of the houses and large build- 
ings were converted into hospitals for the wounded of both armies, 
all telling of the terrible battle that had been fought in its im- 
mediate vicinity. Artillery, ambulances and wagon trains block- 
aded the streets or were slowly pushing their way after the pursu- 
ing army. Our brigade was on the right of the corps and the 
One Hundred and Sixth Regiment leading the brigade. Upon 
arriving at the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, found that the enemy 
had burned the railroad and pontoon bridges, and to gain the 
town we were compelled to ford the river. This was rather un- 
pleasant, as in the center it was waist deep. As on our first 
crossing the Potomac at this point at the beginning of our first 
active operations just seven months before, the One Hundred 
and Sixth Regiment was then on the lead, so again does the Regi- 
ment lead the advance into Harper's Ferry. Upon reaching the 
opposite bank about half past one o'clock, we pushed rapidly 
through the town and then through Bolivar, taking our position 
on Bolivar Heights ; forming a line of battle with the battery on 
our right and Dana's Brigade on our left. Our march of about 
thirteen miles that day, over that hilly country and wading the river 
waist deep was a very laborious and tiresome one, so that we 
were tired out when at last we took position on Bolivar Heights, 
where we remained until October 30th. 

General Sedgwick being absent on account of the wounds re- 
ceived at Antietam, General Howard was in command of the 



118 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Division, and Colonel Baxter of the Seventy-Second Regiment 
commanded the Brigade. 

On October ist we were reviewed by President Lincoln. He 
was accompanied by Generals McClellan, Sumner, French, How- 
ard, Gorman, Caldwell and Meagher and their respective staffs ; 
and as they rode along the line, the whole command again mani- 
fested their pleasure at the visit, and their affection for that great 
and good man, the head of our nation, by long and continued 
cheers and the President's salute of twenty-one guns. 

On the afternoon of the 9th the whole Brigade turned out en 
masse, to receive back our old commander. General Burns, who 
had so far recovered from his wounds as to return to duty. The 
enthusiastic reception given so overcame him that he could only 
say "How do you do, men?" which elicited additional applause. 

The same day Lieutenant-Colonel William L. Curry returned 
to the Regiment, and reported for duty, together with some of 
the men that had been captured and were then exchanged. He 
also was warmly received. 

The men were now in need of many things that "Uncle Sam" 
did not supply ; and although clothing and rations were plenty 
and freely issued, the need of money was great, and the absence 
of the paymaster was much regretted. Many of the men were 
continually receiving letters from home telling them of the wants 
of their families, and they unable to assist them ; so that when 
on the 17th of October our Regiment was paid off, it was a great 
relief to many and a source of joy to all. The town then began 
to be temporarily filled by that throng of vultures which follow 
in the trail of the paymaster, to extort from the soldiers their pay 
for the few things they really needed, or felt they needed. For 
these, they had to pay two or three prices, and particularly for 
that which really did them no good, but which the proverbial 
soldier would have if he could get it, no matter what it cost — 
whiskey. Although the orders were rigid, that none should be 
sold to the men, or even brought over the river, yet in spite of 
all care and precaution by many ingenious devices it was smuggled 
and abounded, and those men who wanted it and had sufficient 
money to pay for it, did not have much trouble in getting what 
thev wanted. The mere fact of it being denied and requiring 



1862] McCLELLAN RELIEVED 119 

some strategy to get it no doubt urged some to persist in obtain- 
ing it, who otherwise would not, that they might boast that they 
got it. Frequently the stock of the unfortunate one who was 
caught in the act of selling it, or to whose door it could be traced, 
would be seized and sold at auction, and the owner sent out of 
the town, or put to work on the fortifications. 
Colonel Banes adds : 

After the failure of several efforts to find the illicit traders, the 
men were set to work as detectives. The result of two or three 
nights of experimenting, in the role of carousers divulged not only 
the names of the dealers, but the place of concealment for the 
"Contrabands". The discovery exhibited many ingenious devices 
to avoid capture and punishment. Some of the dealers had 
barrels constructed to draw either cider or whiskey ; others used, 
as disguises, boxes of tobacco and other substances not at all sug- 
gestive of their real contents. In some places the boards of the 
floor were removed, and "the stuff" hidden between the joists; and 
in others, concealed in parts of furniture. After reprisals and 
forfeiture had taken place, the offenders were cautioned and put 
under surveillance. In spite of all, however, some persons per- 
sisted in the business and met the consequences — a seizure of all 
their wares, to be sold at auction, and the owners put to work at 
the fortifications on Loudon Heights. 

On October i6th a reconnoissance in force took place by the 
whole division, but our Regiment did not participate, as they were 
preparing for the paymaster and were paid off the next day. We 
could see the skirmishing from our camp. 

On October 29th the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment was 
sent out on picket to relieve a portion of Hancock's Division, who 
were to move forward at once, and the next morning, before we 
were relieved, received orders to move ; returned to camp, packed 
up and about 12 o'clock took up the line of march again, through 
the town, crossed the Shenandoah River on the pontoon bridge 
and rejoined our Brigade ; moved over Loudon Heights and down 
into that beautiful part of Virginia, "Loudon Valley", and went 
into camp just before dark, having marched about nine miles. 

The next day, October 31st. we remained in camp and were 
mustered for pay. While lying there Chaplain Harris returned 
from Philadelphia, where he had gone to execute the many little 



120 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

commissions for the men, principally to take their money home 
to their families, and brought with him a fine new horse and full 
set of equipments for Adjutant F. M. Pleis, presented to him by 
the officers and men of the Regiment, for the one that was killed 
at the battle of Antietam. The Regiment was drawn up in line 
and Chaplain Harris presented them on behalf of the Regiment, 
and Colonel Owen, of the Sixty-Ninth, received them for the 
Adjutant ; the usual jollification followed, which was principally 
enjoyed by the officers. 

On November ist, moved to Snickersville and camped. Dur- 
ing the march there was considerable trouble with the Sixty-Ninth 
Regiment, "Paddy Owen's Regulars", owing to the profusion of 
whiske}- that in some way or other found its way among the rank 
and file (I believe mostly received in boxes sent to the men from 
their homes, that should have reached them while at Bolivar 
Heights) ; large numbers of them were tight and enjoyed the 
Irishman's prh'ilege and pleasure, "free fight", so that by the 
time the Regim^it arrived at camp it was considerably demoral- 
ized in appearance, and its numbers greatly reduced on account 
of so many being unable to keep up. 

During the night, when nearly all had retired, our camp was 
surprised by a flock of sheep ; the little bells attached to some 
of their necks gave warning of their approach ; soon many of the 
men were up and rushed boldly to the charge ; the loss was all 
on one side, and judging from the qviantity of fresh mutton that 
was served for breakfast the next morning, they must have suffer- 
ed heavy loss for their boldness. 

On the 2d, moved to Snicker's Gap, and when relieved during the 
day by Porter's Corps, continued our march down the valley for 
about nine miles and encamped. Shortly afterwards the One 
Hundred and Sixth Regiment was again ordered in line, and in 
light marching order started out after a body of rebel cavalry 
that had been seen prowling around our front. The men were 
cautioned by Colonel Morehead as to the object of the movement, 
and Companies A and B were advanced as skirmishers ; we ad- 
vanced for nearly three miles and not overtaking them, returned 
to camp without any skirmish, only to find the rest of the brigade 
on the march, so joined them and continued our march for about 



1862] McCLELLAN RELIEVED 121 

four miles and camped for the night in a cornfield, near Bloom- 
field. 

The next day, November 3d, General Burns formally took final 
leave of us, he having been assigned to the command of the First 
Division of the Ninth Corps. The men were drawn up in line 
tehind their stacks, and he rode along the line, stopping in front 
of each Regiment, to our Regiment he said, "Men, always do your 
duty as well as you have done and you will always be victorious. 
Good Bye". Shaking hands with some of the officers, he rode 
down the road with his stafif, the men giving him three hearty 
cheers. The following order was read to the brigade: 

Headquarters Burns' Brigade. 
Near Bloomfield, Va., Nov. 3, 1862. 
General Order No. — . 

The order has been received which separates us. While regrett- 
ing heartily to part with my tried and true companions-in-arms, 
higher command allures me. as it does each of you, to advance in 
my efforts to save our glorious country. , 

In bidding you a final adieu, I cannot refrain from asking you, 
in the name of our cause, your success, and safety, to pay rigid 
regard to discipline. 

Without discipline the bravest must yield to the basest. General 
Washington wept tears of blood over this great want in his army. 
You know the necessity now. I beg you to remember me in your 
determination to do your duty, and I will always feel proud of the 
victories you will win. God bless you. 

Wm. W. Burns, 
Brigadier General Commanding. 

The separation was mutually regretted. As has been previous- 
ly stated, the men were much attached to him ; he had led them 
in several hard fights, and greatly improved their proficiency, 
and has, on many occasions, testified to his afifection for his old 
Brigade, both previous and subsequently to his departure. On 
■one occasion, speaking of his former Brigade, he wrote : 

It is not alone the performance of good deeds, but more in re- 
straining from temptation and resisting the inclination to do bad 
acts that deserves the reward, "Well done, thou good and faithful 
servant" of our Lord, and the respect and imitation of mankind. 

The patriot who rushes to the field in defence of his country 
follows the blind impulse of an honorable instinct, but the man 



122 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

who, in addition, subjects himself to the restraints of discipline, 
endures hardships and sufifering in the thousand of vicissitudes 
which a military life in camp and in field inflicts upon a universal 
soldier, passes through the chrysalis state of manhood into the 
veteran defender of his country and her rights. When this 
soldier perseveres with a single eye to duty, resisting alike the 
disloyalty and weakness of his superiors, while combating the 
open blows of his country's foes, he becomes a "hero". This char- 
acter was earned and is the meed of praise due to the soldiers who 
were first organized into a brigade under the eloquent Baker, ill- 
fated at Ball's Bluff, and who from that battle to Petersburg faith- 
fully fought for the Union under the flag they bore, which by a 
seeming providential design, always floated where the hottest 
battle centered, in every engagement with the enemy during the 
Herculean contest of the Army of the Potomac. 

Colonel Joshua T. Owen, of the Sixty-Ninth, assumed command 
of the brigade, and appointed Adjutant F. M. Pleis. of the One 
Hundred and Sixth, as Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. We 
left camp about i o'clock, and marched about five miles and camp- 
ed, being about two and a half miles from Upperville. The 
enemy's cavalry being discovered in our front, our artillery was 
placed in position, and opened on them, and in a short time drove 
them out of sight and range. 

About noon on the 4th, left camp, marched through Upperville 
and Paris to Ashby's Gap, where we remained two days guarding 
the pass to prevent the enemy coming over the mountain at that 
point. Upon our arrival we could see the smoke of their camp 
fire on the other side of the Shenandoah River, three miles distant. 

On the 6th. left the Gap, marched back through Paris, and 
w'ent into camp on Goose Creek about i o'clock, marching about 
eight miles. 

We remained in camp on the 7th, and received the first snow- 
storm of the season ; it began snowing about 10 o'clock and con- 
tinued until dark, spreading a white mantle over the ground about 
two inches deep. It was rather hard on us, with nothing but our 
small shelter-tents to protect us. 

On the 8th. continued our march, passing through Rectortown 
and thence to Salem and camped, making about ten miles. Gen- 
eral Howard, who had been absent on leave, returned and took 
command of our division to-day, relieving General Gorman. 



1862] McCLELLAN RELIEVED 123 

On the 9th, passed through Warrenton. Being Sunday, Chap- 
lain Harris held service after arriving in camp, and delivered his 
farewell address, he having resigned to accept a position under 
the Christian Commission. 

On the loth, the whole army was drawn up in line on each side 
of the Warrenton road for final review by General McClellan, 
who had been relieved, and had turned the command of the Army 
of the Potomac over to General Burnside, and now washed to 
take farewell of his army. It was a sad sight as "Little Mac", 
as he was familiarly called, rode between the lines, to see the sad 
expression on the faces of the men. tears stealing their way down 
the bronzed cheeks of the veterans who knew not fear, who wept 
now at the loss of their old commander, so endeared to them. 
Some left the ranks, rushed into the road and begged him to stay, 
even seizing his horse. The General was deeply affected ; he said, 
"I wish you to stand by General Burnside as you have stood by 
me, and all will be well. Good-bye", and rode on. The men re- 
turned to camp greatly depressed, feeling keenly their loss. Those 
who were there will never forget that sight and its effects, as 
witnessed by them on that day. None of his successors ever 
won from the men such enthusiasm. No matter how tired, if 
hardly able to get along from the fatigues of the march, plodding 
through Virginia clay or mud, covered with dust or suffering 
from the intense heat, let the word pass along the line. "Here 
comes 'Little Mac' ", and every man would straighten up, take 
his place in line and greet him with cheers. The writer felt the 
same depression, and feared that great injury was done our cause 
at that time by that removal, which the subsequent defeat of 
Burnside at Fredericksburg and Hooker at Chancellorsville clear- 
ly demonstrated. While McClellan perhaps did not do all that 
was required of him. it must be remembered what difficulties he 
had to contend against. He had taken a new army, just from 
the pursuits of civil life, and made veterans of them, and forced the 
enemy back on his capital, and when for want of men to keep his 
connections complete, was forced to vield his ground, he executed 
one of the most successful changes of base on record. Withdraw- 
ing his own army from the Peninsula to turn it over to General 
Pope and part of it to cover the retreat of the defeated army of 



124 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Pope, he was left without a command until he was called upon 
to reorganize that demoralized army, and following close upon 
that defeat, with the victorious enemy invading our own country 
and threatening the National Capital, he fought two important 
battles, and forced them back within their own territory, and 
then, having reorganized his army, developed new plans of a 
campaign, and having started to execute those plans, was relieved 
before having had the opportunity to do so. 
Colonel Palfrey writes : 

To relieve McClellan of his command so soon after he had 
forced Lee out of Maryland, was hard measure. He had succeed- 
ed to the command when Pope had been very badly beaten, and 
when the sound of the enemy's guns had been plainly audible at 
Washington. He had rapidly raised the troops from a condition of 
much discouragement and demoralization, and made of them a 
compact and efficient force. Within ten days after he left Wash- 
ington, he had led this army against Lee's rear-guard in the South 
Mountain passes and had driven it from them, and had fought a 
great battle against Lee's entire army, in which he had so far 
gotten the advantage that the Confederate invasion of Maryland 
had come to an immediate end. He had, since those battles, 
gradually advanced his army to a position in which it both in- 
terposed itself between Lee and the capital, and was at least fair- 
ly well placed for offensive action ; 

then adds why he thought he lost his command, by 

"His delays on the Peninsula", "His acrimonious correspond- 
ence", being a "political general", and the probable Democratic 
candidate for the Presidency. 

So the "young Napoleon", the popular idol of 1861, was removed 
from the command of the army for which he had done so much, 
and while it seemed that hard measure was meted to him, there is 
more ground for sympathy than there is for wonder. 

and further on adds : 

He was a courteous gentleman. Not a word was ever said 
against his way of life nor his personal integrity. No orgies dis- 
graced his headquarters while he was in command. His capacity 
and energy as an organizer are universally recognized. He was 
an excellent strategist, and in many respects an excellent soldier. 
* * * He was the best commander the Army of the Potomac ever 
had. No one would think for a moment of comparing Pope or 
Burnside or Hooker with him. 



1862] McCLELLAN RELIEVED 125 

And I would further add that I firmly believe, that had Mc- 
Clellan been better supported by those over him, as well as those 
under him, for there was a lack of support by some of his junior 
generals, and left to carry out his own plans, much better results 
would have been accomplished, and the only fault would have 
been, that perhaps he would have taken too long to accomplish 
them. He had worked his way, driving the enemy before him, 
until June I, 1862 found him in front of Richmond, holding 
Mechanicsville at the crossing of the Chickahominy on his right, 
covering his base of supplies at White House on the Pamunkey, 
and extending across the Chickahominy to White Oak Swamp on 
his left, and had less than 100,000 men. This he thought was 
insufficient to attack their works, and was also so believed, by all 
of his "non-self-seeking Generals", the rule being three to one. 
He, therefore, pleaded with the Administration to send McDowell's 
forty thousand men, then at Fredericksburg, to join his right, 
to protect his supplies and enable him to withdraw his right wing 
to the Richmond side to attack. It was refused. He persisted 
for twenty-five days, and received McCall's Division of only 
10,000, and an order was issued for McDowell to advance on 
Richmond, McClellan to co-operate. 

Bryant reports : 

That the returns of June 14th showed 158.838 men, of whom 
1 15.152 were present for duty. 

This includes the Division of McCall, but I still think, with 
that Division included, he did not have 100,00 effective men. 

He extended his right to Hanover, hut McDozvell failed to 
connect, but sent his troops up the valley after Jackson, who 
slipped b}' him at Fredericksburg and turned McClellan's right 
back upon his base of supplies, necessitating a change of base to 
the James. As Richmond, the enemy's capital, and the army there 
concentrated was the military objective point of the war, by con- 
centrating the army of the Potomac on the Richmond side of the 
Chickahominy, they could have gone into Richmond without per- 
adventure, with his base of supplies intact. It held the army and 
the capital of the Confederacy by the throat, only five miles off. 
It never approached so near again until they evacuated it. The 



126 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

war might have closed in July, 1862, but its base was gone, and 
''Napoleon never fought an attack without a base", and was com- 
pelled to withdraw. 

On November 7, 1862, McClellan, with the Army of the Po- 
tomac, 140,000 strong, had pierced Lee's army near Warrenton, 
Longstreet being at Culpepper, when Lee, with Jackson and Hill, 
was in the Shenandoah Valley, across the mountains, two days' 
march apart. The passes of the mountains were held by Mc- 
Clellan, who was advancing on Longstreet, but ten miles away, 
when suddenly he was relieved from command and the enemy 
permitted to concentrate, their army again released and his capital 
saved. The war might have closed in December, 1862. These 
are historical facts fairly stated. 

War has two objectives, one political and the other military. 
The military objective was the enemy's capital and the armv 
covering it. To destroy both at one blow would have closed th£ 
war and saved the L^nion. But would it have induced the people 
to change the Constitution and abolish slavery in 1862 ? Had the 
Administration assurance of it? Its fruit was not then ripe to 
pluck, so that the end justified the means? 





Captain John W. Lynch. 
7, 1861. Sept. 7, 1863. 

As First Lieutenant, 
-omoted to Captain, Jan. 9, 1863. 
charged, Sept. 7, i»63. Disability. 



Sergeant Harry J. Blair. 
Sept. 2, 1861. May 12, 1864. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant, Nov. 7, 1864. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va , May 12, 1864. 



COMPANY C. 





Henry H. Spencer, 

Oct. 16, 1861. Oct. 16, 1864. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va„ Dec. 13, 1862. 

Detailed as Sharpshooter, May, 1864. 

Mustered out, Oct. 16, 1864. 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 127 



CHAPTER XII. 

FREDERICKSBURG. 

THE Army of the Potomac, now under the command of Gen- 
eral A. E. Burnside, was divided into three grand divisions 
under Generals Sumner, Hooker and Franklin. The right 
grand division commanded by General E. V. Sumner, was com- 
posed of the Second and Ninth Corps ; the center grand division 
under General Joseph Hooker, was composed of the Third and 
Fifth Corps ; and the left grand division under General W. B. 
Franklin, contained the First and Sixth Corps. Each division 
was accompanied with a large force of artillery, making Burn- 
side's full force to number 127,574 officers and men. 

The Second Corps was commanded by General D. X. Couch, 
the First Division by General W. H. French, the Second Division 
by General ( ). O. Howard, and the Third Division by General W. 
S. Hancock. Of our Division, the First Brigade was command- 
ed by General Alfred Sully, the Second Brigade by General J. 
T. Owen, and the Third Brigade by Colonel Norman A. Hall. 
Coming down to the Regiments of our Brigade, we find the Sixty- 
Ninth commanded by Lievitenant-Colonel D. O'Kane. the Seventy- 
First by Lieutenant-Colonel J. Markoe, the Seventy-Second by 
Colonel D. W. C. Baxter, and the One Hundred and Sixth by 
Colonel T. G. Morehead. 

Sumner's grand division remained around Warrenton until Nov- 
ember 15th, when they advanced, passing Warrenton Junction, 
pushed on. and arrived at Falmouth on the Rappahannock river 
opposite Fredericksburg on the 17th, and encamped, not, however, 
without first having to contend for our ground, as the enemy 
opened on us as soon as we came in sight, from their batteries 
on the heights in rear of the city. Pettit's Battery was soon run 
into position on the hills above Falmouth, and by a few well dir- 
ected shots, silenced them. 

Our Regiment left camp near Warrenton early on the morning 
of the 15th, marched past the Junction and camped, marching 



128 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

about eleven miles. On the i6th, we marched about eighteen 
miles, and on the 17th about eight miles to Falmouth, making 
about forty miles in two days and a half, and camped in the woods 
on the hills about the town. 

General Sumner was anxious to cross at once and charge the 
heights, it being clearly demonstrated that but a small force of 
the enemy then occupied them, but General Burnside preferred 
to wait until his whole army was concentrated and ready to move 
together, and until the train of pontoons that was to be sent him 
from Washington should arrive, and thus give him ample facilities 
to cross a large force. The delay of the arrival of the pontoons, 
which was not until the 25th, afforded the enemy ample oppor- 
tunity to divine our object and greatly reinforce their troops 
stationed there, as well as to strengthen their position. 

On the 19th, our old Brigade Commander, General W. W. 
Burns, who had recently been promoted and assigned to the com- 
mand of the First Division of the Ninth Corps, passed our camp 
with his new command. Our boys had not forgotten that he was 
but recently their commander ; it soon spread through the camp 
that "Billy Burns" was passing, and nearly the whole brigade 
thronged to the road and greeted him with cheers as he passed. 

For nearly a month our troops were fast concentrating in the 
vicinity of Falmouth. Communication was opened by railroad 
with Aquia Creek, which was the main depot of supplies for our 
army, and they were quickly and continuously shipped to the 
temporary depots and dispensing stations along its line and at 
Falmouth, coming by steamers and transports from Washington 
to Aquia Creek. 

The enemy were also improving their time. They were fast 
reinforcing their army, and fortifying their position on the 
heights, a range of broken hills, running parallel with the river 
immediately in the rear of the city, north, until they strike the river 
as it makes a turn west of Falmouth, and southeasterly for about 
five miles below the city, and near to the Massaponax River. 
That portion immediately in the rear of the center of the city 
was known as Marye's Heights. 

On November 21st, General Sumner made a formal demand of 
the Mayor and Councils of Fredericksburg for the surrender of 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 129 

the city. This they declined to do, for they were powerless, as 
the Confederate commanders said they would not occupy the town 
themselves nor permit our troops to do so ; but they finally did 
occupy it with their sharpshooters and riflemen. 

Every preparation was now pushed rapidly forward to force the 
passage of the river, secure a landing in the town, and force its 
surrender. This their artillery could do little to prevent, but the 
great difficulty would be to clean out their sharpshooters, who 
now filled the town. The pontoons were brought up, concealed 
from the view of the enemy, and made ready, and by December loth, 
all arrangements were completed, and Burnside ready to take the 
ofifensive. Our army now numbered about 113,000 effective men 
ready for action, the largest proportion of these being with Frank- 
lin on the left, as in addition to his two corps, the First and Sixth, 
he had two divisions of the Third, those of Birney and Sickles, 
Burns' Division of the Ninth Corps, and Bayard's Cavalry. Gen- 
eral Hunt, our Chief of Artillery, had placed in position on the 
heights from Falmouth south, 147 guns, including seven 45^ -inch 
siege guns, and twenty-two 20-pound Parrots. The estimated 
force of the enemy under Lee was about 78,000, with numerous 
artillery, all strongly entrenched. 

At 3 o'clock on Thursday morning, the nth of December, we 
were ordered under arms, a gun fired in the direction of the river 
being the signal. At 4 o'clock, additional shots were fired by 
our artillery, quickly followed by a volley of musketry. Our 
engineers were now at work laying the pontoon bridges, it being 
decided to throw two or three across the river at different points, 
one immediately in front of the city. Covered by darkness until 
daylight, and for some time afterwards by a heavy fog, they were 
far towards completion before discovered, but as soon as the fog 
lifted, their sharpshooters became aware of our intentions, and 
opened fire with terrible effect, driving our men from that one 
in front of the city, and compelling its abandonment, though 
several attempts were made to complete it. To insure its com- 
pletion the town must be cleared. This could only be done by 
artillery. Then followed a terrific cannonade for several hours. 
General Hunt directed his fire chiefly at the houses used as places 
of concealment by the riflemen, and although he brought to bear 



130 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

all the batteries that he had placed in position the night before, 
immediately facing the city, concentrating his fire and pouring 
into it a perfect storm of shot and shell, the men still remained, 
and at every attempt to complete the bridge renewed their fire 
and drove oiir men away. The remaining bridges down the river 
were, however, completed with little opposition, and the troops 
were crossing and taking position in the plain below the city. 

At 6 o'clock we were moved from our camp about two miles 
down the river and massed under the cover of the Staft'ord Hills, 
near the river, opposite the point wdiere the bridge was being 
laid, loaded and stacked arms, and rested and awaited orders. 
As has been stated, our Brigade was now commanded by Brig- 
adier General Joshua T. Ow^en, recently promoted from Colonel 
of the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, and Colonel More- 
head commanded the Regiment. Our Color-Sergeant, B. F. Sloan- 
aker, having been promoted to Lieutenant for gallant services 
at the battle of Antietam. the colors were now placed in the care 
of Corporal J. N. Radcliff, of Company C, acting Color-Sergeant, 
who carried them successfully through this battle. 

All morning passed, and afternoon was fast passing way, and 
still no orders to advance w'ere received, no headway gained ; the 
bridge could not be completed, although only a few boats were 
needed. General Howard held a consultation with some of the 
officers, and it was suggested to attempt to cross some men over 
in boats, and thus force a landing. General Howard sought Gen- 
eral Burnside to consult him, and they agreed to make the attempt, 
and about 3.30 o'clock detachments of the Seventh Michigan, 
under Colonel Harry Baxter, and the First Minnesota, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, were ordered forward, and, embark- 
ing in pontoon boats, pushed for the opposite shore ; soon effected 
a landing, and quickly drove the sharpshooters from their shelter 
at the river bank, capturing many before they got away, but could 
make no further headway into the town, so, holding the river bank 
near where they landed, they protected the engineers, who were 
enabled to finish the bridge, and the balance of Hall's Brigade 
crossed, followed by our Brigade, the One Hundred and Sixth 
leading, which in turn was followed by the First Brigade, our 
entire division. These were the only troops that crossed that 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 131 

night. As soon as our Brigade landed, it was formed in line on 
the left of the bridge down along the river bank, the One Hundred 
and Sixth Regiment being on the left of the line, and General 
Owen at once ordered details of each regiment to deploy as skir- 
mishers and drive the enemy out of the town. Companies B and 
G of our Regiment were at once thrown forward, also a detach- 
ment of Company H under Lieutenant Hassett, and with similar de- 
tails from the other regiments, endeavored to clear the town. This 
they found a rather difficult task, it then being dark. The enemy 
had the advantage, knowing the locality, and from their sheltered 
positions in the houses and behind walls were able to inflict con- 
siderable damage, especially upon Hall's Brigade on the right. 
After contesting each foot of ground, they fell back two squares 
from the river and made a determined stand. Our skirmishers 
were quickly reinforced, and, by a flank movement on the left 
through some houses and side streets, outflanked them, made 
many prisoners and completely routed the balance, and by ten 
o'clock had complete possession of the entire built-up portion of 
the city, and the firing ceased. We had captured about lOO 
prisoners, and six bags of mail matter. One of the prisoners, in 
passing Colonel Morehead, said. "Old man, I see you are alive 
yet. I had four good shots at you, and don't see how it is I did 
not hit you". This caused the "old man" to thunder forth, "You 
scoundrel, you", as the "reb" passed to the rear. 

While this skirmishing was going on, the balance of the com- 
mand was still along the river bank. Immediately in front of 
our Regiment was a small house, and a light was seen to glimmer 
through a window. Thinking that some of the enemy was still 
concealed there and unable to get away, a detail was sent to in- 
vestigate. As soon as an effort was made to gain admittance, 
the light was put out. Upon insisting on an entrance, the door 
was opened by a female, who, when she found it was the "Yankees", 
threw up her hands, saying: "Bless de Lord", and called for a 
light. It was then found that about a dozen negroes, male and 
female, were crowded in that room. The cellar door was then 
opened, and about as many more came up out of there, making 
about twenty that had sought shelter and remained hid all day in 
that cellar, to escape the cannonading. They were perfectly safe. 



132 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

as the river bank was so steep that houses built facing on the first 
street above would have their first story there, the second on the 
river front ; and this one was so near the river that our guns could 
not be depressed enought to affect it, and the shots of the Con- 
federates could not penetrate into that cellar. Colonel Morehead 
took possession of the house for his headquarters. As soon as 
the firing ceased, these people separated, and went to their own 
houses, leaving the owner of the house, his wife, and two children 
alone. They did all they could to make the Colonel comfortable, 
and soon had a good hot supper prepared for him, and I was 
fortunate enough to be invited to share it. This invitation I lost 
no time in accepting, as I had had nothing to eat since early in 
the morning, except a dry "hardtack". We both did ample 
justice to their liberality. They were all very light mulattoes, 
and the two daughters were very pretty girls. The man was a 
carpenter, and had been allowed by his master to work at his 
trade in the town until he had earned enough to purchase his own 
freedom ; and continuing, he finally purchased the freedom of his 
wife and children. He then built and bought the house in which 
they lived, and was now glad to get within the Union lines ; and 
when subsequently they heard that we were evacuating the town, 
hastily packed up all their things they could carry, crossed the 
river, and made for Washington, and thence on to Columbia, Pa., 
where they had some relatives living. 

Quite a number of the other inhabitants remained intheir houses, 
and also sought shelter in their cellars or crowded in those lower 
stories formed by the steep bank of the river. Many made very 
narrow escapes by the crashing through the walls of shot or 
shell, while others less fortunate were more or less injured by 
the explosion of an occasional shell or the falling of some portion 
of the house, though I did not see or hear of any lives being lost, 
the fire of our batteries being chiefly directed at those houses along 
and near the river front, to dislodge the sharpshooters. A num- 
ber of the houses had caught fire from the cannonading, and 
others were carelessly set on fire; so that many buildings were 
destroyed. Among them was the Bank of Virginia. Our men 
at once set to work to extinguish the flames, but only succeeded 
in preventing their spreading. This was very much enjoyed by 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 133 

the members of the Seventy-Second Regiment, composed ahiiost 
exchisively of members of the Vohmteer Fire Companies of Phil- 
adelphia, who almost imagined they were "fighting the elements" 
at home, only they did not have their favorite "machine". But 
the "Fairmount", "Good Will", "Philadelphia", "States", "In- 
dependence" and "Moya" boys turned in together, and did good 
work. 

Now followed a general ransacking of the town ; houses and 
stores were broken into, and their contents appropriated or de- 
stroyed ; quantities of valuables as well as necessities were found, 
left by the citizens in their haste to leave the city. Among them 
were large quantities of tobacco and liquors ; men were seen carry- 
ing whole boxes of tobacco, and canteens were filled with wines 
and other liquors ; provisions taken from groceries, clothes from 
clothiers, jewelry from jewelers, and even money from the bank. 
Two or three men I saw with their haversacks full of Confederate 
notes, that were afterwards used to buy many a chicken, pie, or 
loaf of bread during our subsequent marches through Virginia. 
Private dwellings were entered, and at first groups would be 
seen examining the furniture, books, pictures, etc., others amus- 
ing themselves playing the piano, to be followed by others to 
carry ofif such things as struck their fancy, only to be dropped at 
the next house for something else, and finally to destroy what 
they could not take away. My heart was saddened by the destruc- 
tion I witnessed. In one large mansion, from which the large 
furniture had not been removed, I saw a large handsome piano 
with the lid torn off and broken to pieces on the floor, and the 
strings ripped loose from the frame, costly vases swept from- the 
mantels and dashed to pieces on the floor, bayonets thrust through 
pictures and family portraits, mirrors smashed with butt of 
musket, and, as the night wore on, those coming after, finding 
nothing else to destroy, the beds were ripped open and the rooms 
filled with feathers and hair ; trunks were rifled, dishes broken, 
and even the gas fixtures and window sashes broken. Many 
things were thrown into the street to be carried off by the next 
comer, to be dropped at the next place for something else. Many 
secured valuables worth possessing, among them were eighteen 
gold and sixteen silver watches, a diamond ring, silver ice cream 



134 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

knife, forks and spoons, handsomely bound books, and some got 
our own money, one man getting about $400 in specie and an- 
other abut $200 ; these, with the many httle articles that could 
be conveniently carried, were packed in the knapsacks, taken to 
camp as trophies of war and subsequently sent home. Others se- 
cured eatables, and men would be seen with a jar of pickles in one 
hand and preserves in the other. No effort seemed to be made to 
arrest this wholesale destruction until the destroyers seemed 
tired of their own wantonness. 

This unfortunate necessity, or calamity, that generally follows 
the occupation of a besieged town by the victors, was, no doubt, 
hastened and continued, first by the absence of the owners, as 
in no case did I see or hear of any forced entrance being made 
into occupied premises, and secondly by the effect of liquor found, 
of which there seemed to be no scarcity for those who sought it ; 
one large wholesale store that was broken into contained the 
customary number of large casks, arranged on each side, with fine 
polished spigots and hoops ; the spigots were turned on, and the 
floor flooded two or three inches deep with the many kinds of 
liquors and wines that the casks contained, and flowed out into 
the street ; men drank what they wanted, filled their canteens for 
subsequent use and hurried on for other sights, or to assist in 
the destruction of that which they had no use for. A large drug 
store was similarly treated ; the large vials were swept from the 
shelves and broken to pieces on the floor, and their contents mixed 
without any regard to proportions, or chemical affinity or action, 
covering the floor with a homogeneous mass that would be hard 
to describe. 

I am happy to record, as I have previously stated, that so far 
as my observation went or I could learn from others, none of the 
houses that were at all occupied were in any manner molested, 
nor any of the citizens insulted or maltreated. Even those citizens 
that had remained in the town, and the negroes, seemed to join 
in appropriating their neighbors' property, increasing their own 
possessions at the expense of their neighbors. What the result 
would be upon the return of the rightful owners would be hard 
to conjecture. There was also a ludicrous side; men dressed in 
the apparel of both sexes paraded around singly or in groups, 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 135 

partly under the influence of liquor, forgetful of the danger 
through which they had just passed, or that which awaited them 
on the morrow ; they gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the 
present, and well did they seem to enjoy themselves and give 
amusement to others. 

The writer secured a price list in one of the stores, which is 
copied here, to show even at that date, the end of the first year of 
the war, how ver}^ high the provisions were : tea, $30 per pound ; 
cofiFee, $5.00 ; sugar, $1.50 ; candles, $1.00 ; rice, $1.25 ; salt, $1.75 ; 
fresh pork, 75 cts. ; chickens, $5.00 per pair; beans, $3.00 per 
bushel ; molasses, $7.00 per gallon ; flour. $25.00 per barrel ; calico, 
$1.25 and $1.50 per yard, and scarce; potatoes, $6.00 per bushel, 
if any could be found. 

Our Division was the only troops that crossed that night and 
remained in line along the river bank, which, being steep, afforded 
ample protection. The skirmishers or pickets were thrown for- 
ward to the other side of the city. Early on the morning of the 
1 2th the line was advanced and formed on the second street from, 
and running parallel with the river, called Caroline street, and the 
pickets were advanced to and beyond the built-up portion of the 
city, but not without meeting with considerable resistance. All day 
long additional troops were crossing, until Sumner's entire Grand 
Division and one Corps, the Fifth, of Hooker's Grand Division. 
The Third Corps, and one Division of the Fifth Corps having 
joined General Franklin, crossed with him on the left below the 
city. The enemy made little effort to interfere, except to oc- 
casionally drop a shell into the troops as they were approaching 
the bridge, especially into one of the new regiments that marched 
down to the bridge with their band playing "Yankee Doodle". 
But one or two shells dropped among them suddenly brought 
that tune to an end. sent the band flying in every direction, and 
told with fatal effect upon some of the members of the Regiment. 
There were no other bands that ventured to play as they came over 
that hill down to the river. The firing of the artillery at inter- 
vals during the day was all the fighting that was done that day. 

Early on Saturd3y morning, December 13th, the battle of 
Fredericksburg began by the advance of General Franklin's forces 
on the left. General Meade's Division was pushed forward until 



136 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

they reached the new mihtary road that General Lee had con- 
structed for better communication with the different wings of his 
army, driving the enemy before them and capturing about two 
hundred prisoners and several colors. Here they met a much 
larger force, and their artillery on the left opened a flank fire. 
Meade was forced back with heavy loss. General Gibbon ad- 
vanced his Division to Meade's assistance on his right and a bri- 
gade of Birney's Division on the left ; but these combined forces 
were not able to stand that artillery fire and the heavy infantry force 
thrown against them, and were driven back in more or less con- 
fusion, sustaining heavy loss. The balance of Birney's Division 
was thrown into the breach, and succeeded in checking the ad- 
vance of the enemy and holding their ground. So the morning 
passed, and no advantage gained. 

The attempt to carry the heights on the right and in rear of 
the town was then to be made. About eleven o'clock General 
Sumner was ordered to advance, getting his instructions from 
the following order, which he received in the morning: 

The General commanding directs that you extend the left of 
your command to Deep Run, connecting with General Franklin, 
extending your right as far as your judgment may dictate. He 
also directs that you push a column of a division or more along 
the plank and telegraph roads, with a view to seizing the heights 
in rear of the town. The latter movement should be well covered 
with skirmishers, and supported so as to keep its line of retreat 
well open. Copy of instructions given to General Franklin will 
be sent to you very soon. You will please await them at your pre- 
sent headquarters, where he (the General commanding) will meet 
you. Great care should be taken to prevent a collision of our own 
forces during the fog. The watchword for the day will be "Scott". 
The column for a movement up the telegraph and plank roads will 
be got in readiness to move, but will not move till the General 
commanding communicates with you. 

French's Division of the Second Corps was the Division "to 
push along the plank and telegraph roads" and the first to charge 
the heights immediately back of the city, know as Marye's 
Heights, which, as has been stated, the enemy had strongly forti- 
fied, in addition to the natural defence presented by nature, and 
had a lartre force defending them, a stone-wall at the base of the 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 137 

hill serving as rifle pits for their first line, and about half way up 
the heights earthworks were thrown up for their second line, 
which completely commanded the first line should they be driven 
from it. Against all this our attack was to be made, and to reach 
them we would be compelled to pass over open ground, with no 
protection whatever from their numerous guns planted on the 
heights above. French, wnth a strong line of skirmishers, ad- 
vanced out the telegraph and plank roads, crossing the canal on 
the two small bridges by which these two roads cross, and formed 
his line and charged. As soon as they passed from the cover of 
the town they were met with a terrific fire of shot and shell from 
the enemy's artillery, and, as they approached their first line, with 
volley after volley from the men behind the stone-wall. This 
they could not stand, and fell back. Hancock's Division, which 
was supporting French, and following him closely, was hurried 
forward. Meagher's Irish Brigade was first quickly formed, 
and charged almost to the stone-wall, stood that terrible fire for 
a few minutes, then retired, and with them came all of French's 
and Hancock's troops, and were withdrawn to a ravine just in 
rear of the battlefield. Then came Howard's turn, with the Sec- 
ond Division. He met General Miles, of Hancock's Division, 
being carried to the rear, badly wounded ; he told Howard where 
he thought he could best put in his division. Advancing from 
the town, left in front, our Brigade in advance led by our new com- 
mander, but old friend. General Owen, whose bravery and daring 
none dared to question, and all knew if it were at all possible he 
would lead his Brigade into their works, the One Hundred and 
Sixth Regiment on the lead. Advancing rapidly from the town 
out the telegraph road, crossing the canal on the bridge, he formed 
his line, brigade front to the right, the One Hundred and Sixth 
Regiment on the right, Sixty-Ninth in the centre, and the Seventy- 
Second on the left (the Seventy-First Regiment having been 
detached from the Brigade and sent to hold an important position 
on the right of the town), all amid that terrible fire, that only 
ceased, upon the retreat of Hancock's Division, to gather fresh 
fury, and now poured into our line until it seemed impossible for 
men to stand before it ; yet on they went up that steep hill, passing 
the line reached by French and Hancock, until within one hundred 



138 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

yards of their first line, but could go no further ; halted, and im- 
mediately obeyed the order "to lie down and hold that position", 
and there they lay, our position being immediately in front of 
Marye's Mansion, about one hundred yards from the stone-wall, 
with the right of the Brigade resting on the turnpike road. There 
were no troops of either French's or Hancock's command on the 
ground occupied by our Brigade, or over which they charged, ex- 
cept their dead and dying, nor had we any support, as the rest of 
the division that went in on our left were also withdrawn. 

Two other attempts were made to capture the works, and the 
lines advanced only about the same distance, to be forced back 
and compelled to retire in confusion, carrying some of our men 
with them. Towards evening the final charge w^as made, this 
time by Tyler's Brigade of Humphreys' Division of Butterfield's 
Corps, led by Humphreys himself; with bayonets fixed, starting 
with cheers, on they came, passing over our Brigade, many of 
whom rose to their feet to see the result; on they went towards 
the works, confident of success, when there blazed forth from be- 
hind the stone-wall such a deadly fire, that could only be described 
as a sheet of flame, and a storm of bullets, that staggered Hum- 
phreys' men ; they stop, and back they came, unable to stand that 
fire, and although a few got near the works and fired a few ran- 
dom shots, they met the same fate as those who had preceded 
them and were compelled to retire, leaving behind them about 
1.700 of their 4.000 men. notwithstanding the Herculean efforts 
of their leaders to urge them forward. In passing through our 
lines to the front. General Humphreys, supposing our men to be 
skulkers, accused us of cowardice in no very flattering terms, 
and ordered us to join his command in their advance; this General 
Owen refused to do, knowing from experience what the result 
would be. as he felt confident that these works could not be taken 
by direct assault, and this advance would be repulsed as all the 
other attempts had been, and should the enemy then take the 
ofifensive there would be nothing to keep them from entering the 
town in force and driving our men into the river, as there was no 
place to reform the line if quickly followed by a large force of 
the enemy, and a panic once started would be hard to check in a 
town, as the narrow streets would but add to the panic ; then, if 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG ^ 139 

Humphreys were successful to really carry the first line, it would 
be at such fearful loss that he would need immediate support to 
hold it, and Owen could at once advance his Brigade ; so that 
when he was repulsed and came back in confusion through our 
lines, our men retaliated for his abuse of us by compelling large 
numbers of his command to remain with us, thus strengthening 
our line. 

This ended the attempt to capture their works, and through it 
all our little band lay there exposed to that continual and fearful 
fire of artillery and infantry, without the privilege or the op- 
portunity to return the fire, with no shelter or protection what- 
ever, each charge only drawing fresh fire on us and sadly increas- 
ing our loss, which was also increased by the misdirected fire of 
our artillery that had been hastily run into position at the edge 
of the town, and the premature explosion of their shells in their 
attempt to fire over our heads ; add to these that slower but more 
fatal fire of their sharpshooters, many of whom were concealed 
in the large mansion, from which they took deliberate aim and 
picked off our men one by one, especially directing their fire at 
our officers, easily distinguished by their uniforms at that short 
distance, besides being trampled upon at each charge and rout. 
Certainly nothing tested the courage of men more than to be plac- 
ed in such a position, with shot and shell from both directions, in 
front and in rear, screaming and tearing over our heads or 
plowing up the ground in our midst, killing and mangling men 
at our side, the terrible showers of bullets from the many men 
that filled their two lines of works, and then trampled under foot 
by each charge that was made, especially upon their return, their 
haste preventing them using any care, so that many of our men 
were thus injured, a few very seriously. Yet there w^e stayed, 
compelled to remain inactive, lying flat on the cold ground, on 
that cold December day, with no chance to move sufficiently to 
circulate the blood enough to keep warm, as the slightest move- 
ment but brought on the deadl}- fire of their sharpshooters ; many 
were killed or wounded by just raising their head from the 
ground. All that long afternoon did we lie there so exposed, 
until night drew her sable mantle around us and protected us 
from further slaughter. 



140 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

Colonel Palfrey, in his account of this battle, as written in his 
"Antietam and Fredericksburg", makes no mention whatever of 
the charge of the Philadelphia Brigade and the position they held 
during the entire day, but writes as follows : 

French's division, preceded by a strong body of skirmishers, 
moved out of the town by the two parallel streets above mention- 
ed. * * * * The skirmishers worked their way forward, follow- 
ed by French's division, and Hancock pressed on and came up with 
French, and joined in the advance. Hancock estimated that the 
distance the troops had to march — first by the flank through the 
streets of the town and across the bridges, then by the flank in 
line parallel to the Confederate works, and finally in line to the 
hostile front — was probably seventeen hundred yards, all the way 
mider a most murderous fire. The troops were delayed also by 
the fact that the planking of one of the bridges was partially taken 
up, which made it necessary for the men to cross on the stringers. 
By the time French and Hancock were within assaulting distance, 
their columns were too much reduced for the work. 

At one p. M., Couch, commanding the Second Corps, ordered 
Hancock and French to carry the enemy's works by storm. Seeing, 
shortly, this could not be done, the men falling by hundreds, he 
directed Howard, who commanded his remaining division, to 
move to the right and turn the enemy's left, but the order was 
immediately revoked by him, and Howard was ordered to support 
Hancock. The three divisions got well forward. Hall's Brigade of 
Howard's division and some of Hancock's men apparently doing 
the best work that was done, but the difficulties to be overcome 
were too great, and the assault failed. 

The neglect to mention the noble work of the Philadelphia 
Brigade, which would certainly rank it as good as any that was 
done if not the "best", is due perhaps that he was not so informed, 
or saw no mention made of it, as he states that "At about lo a. m. 
of the 17th", (Sept.) at Antietam, "he received a severe wound 
from a canister shot fired by one of Stuart's Batteries"; so it is 
not probable that he had sufficiently recovered from that wound 
to be present with his Regiment (one of Hall's Brigade) at Frede- 
ricksburg, and therefore makes up his report of the battle from 
the reports of others. It was not until after French and Hancock 
had retired that Howard went in. and when he speaks of "Hall's 
Brigade and some of Hancock's men", he must mean Owen's 
men or the Philadelphia Brigade, as none of Hancock's men re- 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 141 

mained on that field in front of the ravine, just beyond the canal, 
except his dead and wounded, who had not been brought off. 

And all that Swinton says of Howard's advance, without even 
mentioning the Brigade, as he does in Hancock's and French's 
Divisions, is : 

To relieve Hancock's and French's hard-pressed battalions, How- 
ard's Division now came up, and Sturgis' and Getty's Divisions 
of the Ninth Corps advanced on Couch's left, and made several 
attacks in support of the brave troops of the Second Corps, who 
could not advance and would not retire. 

It was the Philadelphia Brigade, commanded by General Owen, 
that "would not retire", and there were no battalions of either Han- 
cock or French to relieve, as they had been driven back before 
Howard advanced, and Owen's Brigade were the only troops that 
remained where they advanced. 

Of Humphreys' charge. Palfrey says: 

He led his second Brigade, Allabach's, rapidly forward to the 
position occupied by Couch's men, whom he found in great numbers 
sheltering themselves by lying on the ground behind a slight rise, 
about one hundred and fifty yards from the stone-wall. The con- 
tinued presence of these men proved a serious obstacle to his 
success. Allabach's men followed their example in lying down, 
and opened fire. 

After stating that Humphreys was satisfied that firing could do 
no good, and that the bayonet must be used, he continues : 

With difficulty he stopped the firing of his men, and the charge 
was then made, but the deadly fire of artillery and musketry broke 
it after an advance of fifty yards. 

It was our Brigade that ivas in position and alluded to as 
Couch's men, and Allabach's men did not lie down and commence 
firing until after the charge was made, and they fotmd they could 
go no further imless it was on the left of our line, and they were 
compelled to retire in haste back to the ravine from whence they 
started, except those that our men kept with them. Then re- 
ferring to the final charge, that of Tyler's Brigade, he says : 

He (Humphreys) directed them to disregard these men entirely. 
and to pass over them. He ordered the officers to the front, and 



142 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [18G2 

(Humphreys' own words) with a hurrah, the Brigade, led by 
General Tyler and myself, advanced gallantly over the ground, 
under the heaviest fire yet opened, which poured upon it from the 
moment it rose from the ravine. As the Brigades reached the 
masses of men referred to, every effort was made by the latter to 
prevent our advance. They called to our men not to go forward, 
and some attempted to prevent by force their doing so. The 
effect upon my command was what I apprehended ; the line was 
somewhat disordered, and in part forced to form into a column, 
but still advanced rapidly. The fire of the enemy's musketry and 
artillery, furious as it was before, now became still hotter. The 
stone-wall was a sheet of flame that enveloped the head and flanks 
of the column. Officers and men were falling rapidly, and the 
head of the column was at length brought to a stand when close to 
the wall. Up to this time not a shot had been fired by the column, 
but now some firing began. It lasted but a minute, when, in spite 
of all our efforts, the column turned and began to retire slowly. I 
attempted to rally the Brigade, but could not arrest the retiring 
mass. 

It is evident that General Humphreys did not know that it was 
a brigade in position fulfilling orders "to hold that position", or 
he would not have referred to them as "masses of men concealed 
behind a natural embankment", and it was only zvhen he and some 
of his officers w'ere so unkind as to address them as "cowards and 
skulkers", and tried to force them into his line, that our men 
objected, and told them they would not go much further, and it 
was as they came back that they used the force to keep them there. 
Had General Owen received the orders to follow Humphreys or 
advance with him, the men would gladly have done so in the hopes 
of getting out of that uncomfortable place, but our men took their 
orders from General Owen and not from General Humphreys, 
and they remained there long after all of Humphreys' men had 
retired ; it was not their choice, but it was obeying orders that 
kept them there. They were soldiers and not skulkers, and there- 
fore obeyed those orders, and stayed there. 

The following is a graphic account of the valuable services of 
the Philadelphia Brigade as published in the Philadelphia Inquirer 
a few da}s after the battle. 

General Howard's Division having been the first to cross the 
river Rappahannock, and to take and hold possession of the city, 
was assigned to the extreme right of Sumner's right grand 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 143 

division, where the fighting was not expected to be so severe as at 
the center. Colonel Owens" "Philadelphia Brigade" occupied the 
right of Howard's Division, and was directed to be ready at short 
notice to lead the attack, if one at that point was determined upon. 
General French was to lead the attack on the center and to be sup- 
ported by General Hancock. 

At about 9 o'clock in the morning of Saturday, French's Division 
moved toward the front, and the struggle commenced. The 
troops advanced gradually, driving the enemy's pickets and skir- 
mishers. On went French's Division, and rapidly followed Han- 
cock's in support. But the slaughter was terrible, and soon some 
of the regiments began to waver, and finally to fall back. Forward 
went Hancock's line and passed to the front. Louder pealed the 
enemy's fire ; more terrible than before, was the slaughter. But 
little care had been taken to get the men under cover. The sup- 
porting line seemed to stagger; soon it must fall back, and then 
what can be done if the enemy should come into the city upon the 
heels of the fugitives? No. some regiments of French's and Han- 
cock's rally ; the enemy plows through their ranks with his can- 
isters, round shot and shell ; his sharpshooters pick off the officers. 
What can be done to prevent the disaster ? 

Quick, or all is lost. General Couch directs General Howard 
to send for one of his brigades. General Howard sends his 
brother to bring down Colonel Owens' Brigade from the right on 
a double-quick. The fugitives increase in number — the wounded 
are being brought in by hundreds. Men jump into the canal for 
shelter from the hail-storm of iron. The enemy brings his guns 
to bear upon the houses in town. The fields are covered with the 
fugitive and with dead and dying. 

The Sixty-Ninth cheer the "Battery Boys", and these in turn 
cheer the "Fighting Brigade". On they come — the colonel, with 
his staff at the head of the column, on his gray horse. 

Generals Couch. Howard and Hancock give him their directions. 
General Hancock tells him where best to display his column. 
There are Baxter. Morehead. O'Kane. and — and where's the gal- 
lant Markoe? Where's the brave California Regiment? They 
are on picket, and the brigade feel their absence keenly. But on 
they go. their ranks thinned at every step. They begin to cross 
the road, swept by a whole battery of the enemy's guns. The Col- 
onel cries out : "Men, cross the best way you can, and form on the 
other side of the canal, under that hill". They at once see the pro- 
priety of the direction. Over they go in twos, in threes and every 
other way, and yet many fall to rise no more. But see how well 
they form under that hill. 

Now the line is formed, and Colonel Owens draws his sword and. 



144 THE OXE HUXDRED AXD SIXTH REGIMEXT [1862 

waving adieus to the generals who are watching him, leaps over 
the fence, crosses the canal, and rising in his stirrup gives the 
command, "forward !' 

Just then his horse is shot; instantly he dismounts, and running 
in front of the Sixty-Ninth waves his sword and cries. "On, 
Second Brigade, double-quick !" A shout is heard, and on rush 
the regiments in good order. Heavens ! what a fire the enemy 
opens ! From the top of the hill, from the sides of it, and from 
the bottom, behind a stone-wall, and from three batteries, one con- 
tinued shower of shells and balls is poured. 

But, alas, it is soon discovered that the lines, which Colonel 
Owens was to support with his brigade, have been almost annihilat- 
ed. Some scattered companies and parts of regiments are still there 
fighting bravel}'. and one long line of battle, lying down two deep, 
but it is a line of dead men. All dead? Yes. all. To advance 
further is certain destruction, to retreat is dishonor. Here was 
a crisis. Colonel Owens had no support. If he was destroyed or 
forced to retreat, the enemy would rush into the city and utter ruin 
would follow. But see ! he halts his line and tells his men to 
"lie down, close, close, close". 

He deploys skirmishers into the contiguous houses. The enemy 
is puzzled. They do not know what to make of it. Their fire 
slackens. They begin to leave the stone-wall. The sharpshoot- 
ers pick off their artillerymen. A charge is attempted by the 
enemy. It is repelled by the men rising to their feet and deliver- 
ing such a volley as would stagger any lines. The enemy find that 
they cannot reach Owens' line with artillery. His right is pro- 
tected by some houses. In front, the declevity of the hill is so 
great that they cannot point their guns to reach him. In the 
meanwhile he peppers them wherever they can be seen. Quickly 
he sends his aide back to General Howard for orders what to do 
and asks for a battery and some support on his left, and. if 
possible, he will try to take the works. But alone it is impossible. 
He is told to hold the position at all hazards, and a battery, to- 
gether with infantry, will be sent to him. He sends word back: 
"Never fear, I will hold the position". 

An hour passes. All honor to the Second Brigade ; it is still 
there, fighting on with unbroken ranks. A column is seen going 
out on the railroad. It deploys ; it charges up towards the enemy 
on Owens' left. Gallanth- the line moves on ; but the enemy are 
evidently reinforced, or, intending to turn Owens' left, they are 
massed there — for, see what awful fire of small arms is poured 
from the hill and from behind the stone-wall. The lines stagger 
and fall back in confusion. Xow. Owens' left will surely be turn- 
ed and his gallant men be captured or cut to pieces. He realizes 




Sbkgbant Jonathan C. Barnes. 
Sept. 24. 1861. Sept. 24, 1864. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal, Sept 17. 1862. 

Promoted to Sergeant, March i, 1863. 

Discharged, Sept. 24, 1864. 




Serge.\nt Charles H. Hickok. 
Oct 16, 1861. May 6, 1864. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal, Dec. 12, 1862. 

Promoted to Sergeant. March i, 1863. 

Badly injured at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862, 

by being trampled upon during battle. 

Killed at Wildeiness, Va., May 6, 1864. 



COMPANY C. 




\ViLLi.\M W. Smith. 

Oct. 16, 1861. Oct. 29, 1862. 

Wounded at Malvern Hill, Va.. July i. 1862. 

Discharged, Oct. 29, 1862. Wounds. 




1862] FREDERICKSBURG 145 

the danger ; he is preparing for it. His men are up. and pour a 
volley obliqueh' to the left. The enemy is checked, and lo ! an- 
other column appears, greater than the first. 

The enemy has not yet seen it, or is making new preparations for 
its reception. On it comes, and at its head is gallant Hooker, the 
hero of Glendale. Now butternuts look out. Up comes, also, 
Hazzard's First Rhode Island Battery right in Owens' rear, only 
about one hundred and fifty yards off. They blaze away, and 
Hooker advances. "One shout now for the Stars and Stripes, my 
men !" The shout mingles with the roar of cannon and rattle of 
musketry, and the combat thickens. General Hooker comes to the 
front. "What men are you?" "Colonel Owens' Brigade, your 
honor." "Ah, Sixty-Ninth, are you there. Now men. let us give 

them ." The earth shook beneath that tremendous volley. 

But Hooker's men break. Another awful volley. They run. and 
are checked by Generals Hooker and Humphreys in person. 
Again they advance. Another and another volley. They break, 
they rally, but they stagger up like drunken men. 

The earth shakes again, and amid that smoke which envelopes 
friend and foe alike, how many pass to their dread account ? The 
smoke clears away. Hooker's column is gone, and the battery is 
going, but Owen's line is still there and harder at work than ever. 
One of his regiments has left, but it was one attached temporarily 
to his brigade that morning. His brigade proper still remained 
intact, their ammunition nearly expended, but their bayonets ready. 
And there they stayed until midnight, when they were relieved 
by Syke's regulars. They may be proud of their day's work. 
Three hearty cheers for the "Philadelphia Brigade".* 

At II o'clock at night what was left of our three Regiments 
was quietly withdrawn, being relieved by General Sykes' Divi- 
sion of Regulars. Orders were given in whispers, canteens and 
cups muffled, and silently we returned to the city, having lain for 
nearly ten hours under that murderous fire, without food or water, 
surrounded by the dead and wounded. The latter were unable 
to get to the rear, but compelled to lie there, suffering even for 
water, in addition to the pain of their wounds. Even after dark 
their friends could only be guided to them by their moanings, as 
any attempt to carry a lantern or light of any kind drew the fire 
of the enemy. The Seventy-First Regiment under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Markoe was relieved from their position on the right, and 

* From TAe Inquirer of Wednesday, December 31, 1862. 



146 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

sent forward with the regulars to hold the ground on the right 
of the Plank road. 

Upon our return to town our shattered ranks were closed up ; 
but there were gaps made never to be refilled. We parted with 
many there, never to meet again in the service, and some not again 
in this world. Saddened at our loss, we were yet thankful that 
so many were spared after passing through such a terrible ordeal. 
General Howard came and thanked us for doing our duty so well, 
and holding our position so long, exposed to such terrible fire. 
He called us the "Stonewall Brigade". Roll-call of the Regi- 
ment or rather "Counting the Muskets", revealed but one hundred 
and six men present for duty. This peculiar incident of "Count- 
ing the Muskets" of the Regiment in the streets of Fredericks- 
burg, sadly impressed those present, as it revealed the absent guns 
of many brave and noble comrades. They were counted twice 
by Adjutant Pleis and verified by Lieutenant-Colonel Curry, and 
told of a loss of six killed, seven officers and forty-nine men wound- 
ed ; total, sixty-two. Total loss from December ist to 15th in- 
clusive, seventy-eight. 

Those killed were Privates Wensil Hartman of Company A, 
David Long and John H. Painter of Company C, George Upjohn 
of Company H, and John Green and Joseph W. Spaulding of 
Company K. Among the wounded were Captains F. H. Achuflf. 
William N. Jones, and William Y. Farr. and Lieutenants John 
A. Steel, Benjamin F. Sloanaker, John F. Hassett and Williani 
May. 

Company A. 
Sergeant Strohm, Corporals Wagner, Schaefer and Walton, and 
Privates Fesmire, Lukens, Newell, Otley, Robinson and 
Strickler. 

Company C. 
Sergeant Neiler, and Privates Barclay, Crandle, Donahue, O'Don- 
nell, H. H. Spencer and Trexler. 

Company D. 
Sergeant Conklin. and Privates Buckley, Fuller and Wilhur. 

Company E. 
Privates Collum. Hilt and Rowland. 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 147 

Company F. 
Privates Bambleson, Little and Sanes. 

Company G. 
Private Hall. 

Company H. 
Sergeant Creamer and Privates Collister, Glass, F. Landon, Lee, 
Rich and Ryan. 

Company I. 
Sergeant Phillips, Corporal Pyewell, and Privates Collins and 
O'Leary. 

Company K. 
Sergeants Grogan and Parker, and Privates Harvey, Holt, Lee, 
Maloney, Mills, O'Neill, Pratt, White and Windell. 

Oil the morning of the 14th, Colonel Morehead being detailed 
as Field Ofificer-of-the-day of our Division, left Lieutenant-Colonel 
Curry in command of the Regiment and took up his position with 
the Seventy-First Regiment, then stationed in the yard of a 
tannery on the right of the town, where they were sent during the 
night. It was a very exposed position causing the Regiment to 
suffer heavy loss, for as soon as the fog lifted the enemy opened 
fire, their sharpshooters firing at every one that afforded them 
even a chance shot. Finally about noon Colonel Morehead dir- 
ected their withdrawal back beyond the canal to a more sheltered 
position, as the enemy had opened a heavy artillery fire which 
made that position no longer tenable. 

It was while the Regiment lay in Caroline street, and while 
some of the men were cooking their coft'ee at a large fire, that a 
shell struck the roof of one of the houses, rebounded and rolled 
off into the fire and exploded scattering fire, coffee and men, but 
fortunately only one man was slightl}' wounded. 

During the morning of that day Burnside's own corps, the 
Ninth, was brought forward and massed in the town, ready to 
renew the attack and once more attempt the capture of the works, 
General Burnside intending to lead in person his line of eighteen 
regiments. The other general officers, however, especially Gen- 
eral Sumner, whose reputation as a soldier gave value to his 
opinions, so strongly protested against such action that Burnside 
was finally persuaded to give it up, and the charge was not made, 



148 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

thus saving many lives in what must have been another fruitless 
attempt. The battle was not therefore renewed, and the troops 
remained inactive during that and the following day, when it 
was decided to vacate the city. Orders were issued, and towards 
midnight of the 15th, the army began to recross the Rappahannock 
river. By daylight the next morning, all were safely across, the 
pontoon bridge removed, and the men returned to their former 
camps, our Regiment reaching theirs at 2.30 in the morning ; mor- 
tified at the result and saddened at the terrible loss, they had done 
their duty well, knowing that though no advantage had been 
gained they were not responsible for the failure. 

The good fortune that seemed to follow our Regiment again 
attended us here, and although subjected first to their fire from the 
houses the night we crossed the river, then the charge on the 13th 
and lying all day exposed to that terrible fire, our loss was com- 
paratively light, as per statement given and Colonel Morehead's 
official report appended. 

Palfrey closes his volume and his account of the battle of Frede- 
ricksburg with the following paragraph : 

It would be too much to say that there are no sadder stories in 
military history than that of the Army of the Potomac, but its 
story is sad enough. Always better than its commanders, always 
ready to "stand in the evil hour" and "having done all to stand", 
it marched, and fought, and hungered, and thirsted for four years, 
hardly ever animated by victory. It showed in all that it endured 
and achieved, that it was an admirable instrument for the hand 
that knew how to wield it, but it never had the good fortune to be 
commanded by a soldier who was worthy of it. It fought through 
to the end, it did its work and gained its crown, but its path was 
long and rough and seldom cheered, and one of its saddest and 
sharpest experiences was its brave, hopeless effort at Fredericks- 
burg. 

General Burnside reports his whole loss as follows : 





Killed 


Wounded 


Missing 


Total 


Right Grand Division, 


491 


3933 


737 


5161 


Center Grand Division, 


316 


2398 


755 


3469 


Left Grand Division, 


2,73 


2697 


653 


37^3 



Total, 1 180 9028 2145 12353 



1862] FREDERICKSBURG 149 

Colonel Morehead submitted the following as his official report 
of the battle of Fredericksburg : 

Headquarters io6th Penna. Regiment. 
2D Brigade, 2d Division, 2d Corps. 
Camp near Falmouth, Va., December i8, 1863. 
Lieut. Ferdinand M. Pleis, Acting Ass't Adj't General. 

Sir: — In pursuance to orders, I marched on the morning of the 
nth inst. to a point near Fredericksburg, Va. At about 5.30 o'clock 
p. M. I crossed over the Rappahannock under a heavy fire of artil- 
lery and musketry. We immediately formed in line of battle on* 
the left of the bridge. While forming the line, we were consider- 
ably annoyed by sharpshooters on the left of us. Company B was 
detached to act as skirmishers and clear the street to front and 
left. Shortly afterwards Company G was detailed as a support to 
Company B. 

There was considerable firing for some time, but the companies 
detached, in connection with one company of the Seventy-Second 
Regiment, finally succeeded in clearing the streets. About twenty 
prisoners were taken, and ten (10) rebel mail bags, which I im- 
mediately forwarded to your headquarters. 

The Regiment bivouacked for the night upon the ground of 
their line. On the morning of the 12th inst. I marched my com- 
mand to, and formed in, the second or Caroline street, where we 
remained under arms during the day. 

The morning of the 13th inst. found us again under arms. 
About 12.30, in pursuance of orders, we marched to the front, 
where the battle was already raging. When within about four 
hundred (400) yards of the enemy's works, our line of battle was 
formed under a very heavy fire of musketry and artillery, the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment being 
on our left and the Sixty-Ninth on our right. We then moved for- 
ward in line, and took possession of a slight elevation within about 
eighty (80) yards of the first line of battle of rebels. Their first 
line was at the base of the hill behind a stone-wall ; their second 
line was immediately above the first, on the crest of a very steep 
hill; consequently we were exposed to the fire of their two lines. 
The proximity of our line to the hill sheltered us from the fire of 
the rebel artillery, as they could not depress their pieces sufficiently 
to bring them to bear upon us. Their musketry fire soon told 
heavily upon us, and unless wounded, not a man left his place in 
the line. We remained in this position until 11 o'clock in the 
night, when we were relieved by the Second Regiment, United 
States Infantry. The command was then marched to the quarters 
they occupied the night previous. 



150 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

At daybreak of the morning of the 14th inst. the Regiment was 
again under arms, and remained so during the day. 

On Monday, the 15th inst., the Regiment remained under arms 
until about 6 o'clock p. m., when it was detailed for fatigue duty, 
with orders to report to Division headquarters. While engaged in 
throwing up a redoubt the order was countermanded, and the 
Regiment was marched to its quarters. Shortly afterwards, pur- 
suant to orders, we recrossed the Rappahannock, and arrived at 
camp at about 2 o'clock a. m. 

Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon officers and men of 
my command for their unwavering courage and gallant conduct 
during the whole of this trying period. They did their duty well, 
and what more can be said? 

I cannot but refer to the gallant conduct of my entire field and 
stafif. My confidence in Lieutenant-Colonel Gurry and Major 
Stover, by their cool and daring courage and their unexception- 
able deportment, is only increased, ;/ possible. Assistant Surgeon 
H. D. McLean, fully alive to the importance of his position, was 
always to be found alleviating the sufferings of the dying and 
wounded. I am also much indebted to Acting Adjutant Lieutenant 
J. C. Biggs and Sergeant-Major Hagy, for their invaluable ser- 
vices. 

Below you will please find the number of the killed, wounded 
and missing. 

Killed Wounded Missing Total 

Officers o 9 o 9 

Men 5 60 4 69 

Total 5 69 4 78 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

T. G. MOREHEAD, 

Colonel Commanding 

106 Pennsylvania Regiment. 

James C. Biggs, 

Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant. 





JilHX Ikvin. 
Aug. 26, 1861. Oct. 6, 1864. 

As Second Lieutenant. 

Promoted to First Lieutenant, July 19, 1862. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.. July 3, 1862. 

Discharged, Oct 6, 1864. 

Brevet-Major. U. S. V. 



First Sergeant William Irvin. 
Aug. 26. 1861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant. July 26, 1862. 

Promoted to First Sergeant, Aug. 13 i8( 

Wounded at Savage Statit.n. Va., June 29. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, i8( 

Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10, 18 



COMPANY D. 




Sergeant Samiel Irvin. 
Aug. 26, 1861. Sept. 10, 18 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 10, iS 
Mustered out with Company, Sept. io,'i8( 




Corporal David Irvin. 
Aug. 26, 1 861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal, March 14, 1863. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Mustered out vi'ith Company, Sept. 10, 1864'. 



FOUR BROTHERS. 



1862] WINTER QUARTERS 151 



CHAPTER XIII. 

WINTER QUARTERS. 

AS has been stated, the men returned to camp, saddened and 
mortified ; we could go still farther and say gloomy, de- 
moralized, and our leaders were called upon to try to 
overcome this despondency. At a regimental inspection held 
the next day after returning to our camp, General Howard ad- 
dressed the men at length, told us to keep in good heart, thanked 
us for doing so well and proving ourselves such good soldiers 
under the terrible ordeal through which we had just passed, 
hoped we would continue to do our full duty as citizens and 
soldiers, defend the constitution and laws of our country and pre- 
serve her institutions, paid a high tribute of respect to the fallen 
and kindly remembered the woundefi, thanked us again for sus- 
taining him and so readily obeying the orders of our officers, and 
closed by proposing three cheers for the Union, which were given ; 
Colonel Morehead then proposed three more for General Howard, 
to which the men also responded. A few days afterwards the 
Regiment was personally inspected by General Sumner, who 
minutely examined the guns, equipments, clothing, tents, and 
asked particularly about the rations. Yet the men still felt the 
effects of that fight. 

The result of that campaign was known to be disastrous and 
that of the future uncertain. While they admired General Burn- 
side as a man, "for his high personal character, and his candid 
assumption of the responsibilityof the failureat Fredericksburg and 
his acknowledgment that the fighting of the troops entitled them to 
better success", they had lost confidence in him as a commander, 
and no one seemed available to take his place unless, as a great 
many seemed to think, McClellan could be brought back again. 
Yet this feeling would not prevent them from quickly responding 
to the call for duty, no matter who should lead ; their experience 
of the past had schooled them for just such emergencies, and 



152 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1862 

throughout the whole Army of the Potomac the reaction from 
this despondency seemed more slow than usual. Many men lost 
heart, and those reported "straggling" or "absent without leave" 
were steadily increasing, and many officers sought for their dis- 
charge on surgeon's certificate of disability or for slight wounds, 
thus, as they thought, leaving "honorably" the service of their 
country, at this one of the times of her greatest need of true and 
staunch hearts and willing hands. The issue of the Emancipation 
Proclamation by President Lincoln, on January ist, 1863, met 
wath considerable opposition among the rank and file, and assisted 
to increase the demoralization ; many freely giving expression to 
their feelings and boldly stating that they would not have entered 
the army had they thought such would have been the action of the 
Government, and some almost as boldly admitting that they were 
not even then ready or willing to assist in its enforcement. Yet 
the wisdom of such a step by our now martyred President, who 
then seemed to look into the future and see its great good to 
humanity, will now freely be admitted by those who were then 
most pronounced in its denunciation, but such was their feeling 
at that time. This despondent or demoralized feeling was well 
demonstrated on January 17th, when General Burnside reviewed 
the army. As he passed our Corps he was accompanied by Generals 
Sumner, Couch, Hancock and Howard, and their respective staffs, 
and when passing along our lines General Howard rode out and 
proposed three cheers for General Burnside, but not a man re- 
sponded and no cheer was given ; this was a small matter, but 
"straws tell which way the wind blows" ; they were in no humor 
for cheers, there was no enthusiasm ; they did what their duty 
required of them but no more. 

The Regiment began at once to make themselves comfortable 
for the winter, so far as they could with the limited means at their 
disposal. Huts were built of logs, plastered with mud, large 
fireplaces built, and the shelter tents used for roofs, and thus they 
had very comfortable homes ; but until they were built they suffer- 
ed greatly from the cold, a member of the Seventy-Second Regi- 
ment was frozen to death, also the colored servant of Captain 
Ford of Company I of our Regiment. Picket duty by companies 
w^as resumed, battalion and brigade drills were instituted, reviews 



1862] WINTER QUARTERS 153 

by brigade, division, corps and the entire army, and the usual 
routine of camp Hfe while lying in winter quarters lived over 
again, including the usual rumors, jokes and growls. Efforts 
were made to overcome the despondency of the men, and fur- 
loughs were granted of ten days each and transportation furnish- 
ed the men to their homes and back. One field and two line 
officers, and two members of each one hundred men were allowed 
to go at a time, and, upon their return, others went. We received 
here the first vegetables, potatoes and onions, since leaving Harri- 
son's Landing, and then the paymaster made his appearance on 
January 27th, and we were paid for two months. These in- 
fluences for good were felt. 

It was while hurriedly preparing for picket on the morning of 
December i8th, that the colored servant of Captain Ford of Com- 
pany I, was found dead. Captain Ford and Lieutenant Hibbs 
occupied the same quarters, and the latter, after repeatedly calling 
for the servant, started out to wake him up, as he slept in a small 
A tent in rear of the Captain's quarters. The Lieutenant went 
to the tent and called him, then opened the tent and called again, 
and then hearing no response, kicked him. as he thought, to waken 
him, and still seeing no sign of moving, took hold of him to shake 
him, and found him cold and stiff'. He was dead! frozen to 
death. Lieutenant Hibbs immediately reported to the Captain 
that he was dead, who asked him how he knew it, and when told 
that he had tried to waken him by kicking him, the Captain re- 
plied "My God, you have kicked him to death", and slyly told two 
or three of the other officers, and Lieutenant Hibbs never heard 
the last of "kicking that nigger to death". The death of their 
servant was the means of making the Captain the victim of an- 
other joke ; having no servant they were compelled to get their 
own breakfast in addition to getting themselves ready, or go on 
picket without any, so the Captain at once began to prepare it. 

Now wood was very scarce, and details were sent out with 
teams to cut it and haul it to the company cook-house for the men, 
but the officers were mostly on short allowance, and were often 
compelled to beg or borrow from the companies. Captain Ford 
had done this so much that the men were tired of it. and repeated- 
ly refused his servant, when sent for it. The servant then had 



154 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

orders to steal it. and he faithfully obeyed his orders, taking it 
from any pile he could, and it became pretty well known. So this 
morning the Captain was greatly surprised to find a number of 
nicely cut sticks back of his tent, and thinking that the nigger had 
secured them, "according to orders", before he went to bed the 
night before, the Captain felt very grateful to him, as he would 
not have to run around that cold morning to hunt fuel enough 
to cook their breakfast, so he started his fire, set his cofifee-pot 
on to boil, fixed his meat in the frying-pan, and sat himself down 
on an empty ammunition box to attend to both, when, without the 
slightest warning, there was a terrible explosion ; the frying-pan 
flew up in the air and sent the meat in every direction, the contents 
of the cofifee-pot were blown all over the captain, the box he was 
sitting on knocked from under him, and he on the broad of his 
back, kicking and swearing. He soon jumped up and endeavored 
to ascertain who had played this joke on him, and finally wound 
up at the Adjutant's quarters. They so enjoyed the joke, that he 
suspected them of perpetrating it, and got greatly excited, and to 
get even with them upset their stove, and was finally tumbled out 
of the tent, with sticks of wood, boots, and whatever they could 
pick up, thrown after him. He was then met by the Colonel, 
who had come from his quarters to see what was the cause of 
such a rumpus, and he ordered the Captain to his quarters. The 
excitement soon cooled down, but the joke was long after re- 
membered. Some parties had got tired of having their wood 
stolen, and had prepared these sticks with a number of cartridges 
in them ; hence the explosion. 

On December 20th, Colonel Morehead was assigned to the com- 
mand of the Third Brigade, General Sully's; on January 17th re- 
turned and assumed command of our Brigade ; returned to the 
Regiment on the 24th, and on the 26th went home on furlough, 
returning February 19th. 

On January 14th, we had our hopes raised for a chance of a 
pleasant change from our present location and duty, by Adjutant 
Pleis, upon returning from Philadelphia and Washington, stating" 
that we would certainly start in a few day for Baltimore, to guard 
the railroad and such other easy duty. This was strengthened 
by Dr. Dwindle saying that we were to leave in a few days. But 



1863] WINTER QUARTERS 155 

those few days were lengthened into weeks, and then months, 
and we never got assigned to that pleasant duty. Whether the 
orders were countermanded before they were promulgated, or 
some others were substituted in our place, or whether, upon calm 
consideration, those who contemplated such a change thought 
that it would not do to remove from the front a brigade of 
veterans, who had proved themselves such good soldiers, was 
never made known to us ; but we did know that we never enjoyed 
such good fortune as to have anything but active service during 
our whole term of enlistment. 

On January 20th, while on parade, orders were read from Gen- 
eral Burnside announcing that we were about to meet the enemy 
once more, that the brilliant achievements of our troops in North 
Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas, had weakened the forces on 
the Rappahannock in our front, and now it was time for us to 
strike a death blow to the rebellion. The country at large seemed 
to demand that a movement of some kind should take place to 
overcome, if possible, the influence of the Fredericksburg disaster, 
and General Burnside decided to attempt once more the passage 
of the Rappahannock. The enemy, however, not to be surprised 
at any such movement, had posted considerable force at all the 
fords of the river in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, and the river 
being much higher than usual rendered the building of bridges a 
necessity in order to cross troops, another obstacle to be overcome ; 
but Burnside issued his orders, and the necessary arrangements 
were completed. A feint was first made below the city by a por- 
tion of the Second Corps under Couch, and the Eleventh Corps 
under Sigel, on the 19th, and on the 20th the main movement was 
made up the river, to cross at Banks' Ford, by Hooker's and 
Franklin's Grand Divisions, who had been hurriedly moved up 
there the night before, with their artillery in position to force a 
crossing, and the pontoons near the river bank. Everything was 
ready for an early advance in the morning, but "man counted 
without his host", for during the night there began one of the 
severest storms of the season ; roads were converted into mud 
puddles that seemed to have no bottom, men with difficulty 
struggled on through mud and water. To get the boats to the 
river through the sticky soil, the horses were doubled up, and 



156 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [1863 

assisted by the strong arms of as many men as could get at them 
with ropes, yet they could scarcely get them along, and all day 
was spent in the preparation to build a single bridge. These 
efforts were soon known to the enemy, who taunted them, and 
asked if they "wanted any help to build their bridge". The next 
day, the 21st, the storm still continuing, the stituation grew worse, 
and the Army of the Potomac was really "stuck in the mud". 
Further advance was impossible ; the only thing to do was to re- 
turn to camp, and so they did, working their way back, trudging 
along through the mud and storm, tugging at the artillery that 
was now sunk to their axles, requiring the united action of hun- 
dreds of men to get one piece at a time out of the mud holes. 
And all day long were the now nearly exhausted men working 
their way back to their camps, and "Burnside's Mud Campaign" 
was ended. Our Brigade took no part in this campaign, but re- 
mained in camp on account of its prominent position, being in 
full view of the rebels, so that any movement on our part would 
have revealed to them our intentions, so we merely assisted the 
others as they passed by our camp, and shared with them our 
rations. 

Even our brigade pickets stationed along the river front, in 
front of Falmouth, were taunted by the rebs opposite and in- 
formed of Burnside's failure before they heard it from our own 
people. They marked in large letters on a door "Burnside stuck 
in the mud", and stood it up so that our men could easily read it, 
this on January 22d, and that they knew of his intended movement 
was shown a few evenings before by their reading aloud a copy 
of his (Burnside's) order No. 7. Who was the traitor? 

General Burnside after this failure, at his own request was re- 
lieved from the command that had been thrust upon him and re- 
luctantly accepted by him, and on January 25th, General Joseph 
Hooker was placed in command of the Army of the Potomac. 
The same order relieved at his own request brave old General 
Sumner, who shortly after, while on his way to join the army on 
the frontier, died at Syracuse, New York. 

Religious services were held each Sabbath at Brigade Head- 
quarters, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Corkhill, assisted sometimes 
by others. On January 25th, General Howard was present, and 



1863] WINTER QUARTERS 157 

when Mr. Corkhill had finished, he spoke. His well chosen and 
well delivered address was listened to wdth marked attention and 
deeply impressed those present, inspiring confidence and carrying 
conviction, so that some returned to their quarters feeling their 
sense of guilt, and with a desire to profit by his teaching and ac- 
cept the truth. On February ist, ovir former Chaplain Harris 
was present and took part, and again on April 19th, and on the 
26th conducted the services. There is no doubt but what these 
services did a great deal of good and helped many to find their 
Saviour. 

The formation of the army was changed by General Hooker ; 
the Grand Divisions were discontinued and the army divided into 
seven corps, as follows : The First Corps commanded by General 
Reynolds, the Second by General Couch, the Third by General 
Sickles, the Fifth by General Meade, the Sixth by General Sedg- 
wick, the Eleventh by General How'ard and the Twelfth by Gen- 
eral Slocum. The cavalry numbering about 13,000 men, under 
General Stoneman. The rest of the winter was devoted to re- 
organizing and strengthening the army, which it sadly needed. 
Bryant says : 

It was to all appearances little more than a mob. In three 
months he made an army of it. 

Among other things each corps was required to adopt and wear 
a distinct badge or insignia by which its members could be dis- 
tinguished ; those adopted were as follows : That of the First 
Corps a disk, the Second a trefoil, the Third a diamond, the Fifth 
a Maltese cross, the Sixth a Greek cross, the Eleventh a crescent, 
and the Twelfth a star. The Divisions were designated by the color 
of the badge, the First Division wearing red, the Second white, 
the Third blue and the Fourth green. By this means the members 
of any division straggling could be readily identified, as they were 
compelled to wear them on the top of their caps. This idea first 
originated with General Kearney at the battle of Fair Oaks, who 
ordered the men of his command to sew a piece of red flannel on 
their caps, so that he could recognize them in the turmoil of the 
battle ; but General Hooker developed that idea as above, and it 
proved of great value to the commanders. 



158 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

On February 7th, the Seventy-Second Regiment presented 
General W. W. Burns, their former Brigade commander, with a 
magnificent sword, sash and belt, costing over six hundred dollars 
on the eve of his departure for the west. It possessed peculiar 
interest from the fact that it was entirely the gift of the rank and 
file, and the presentation speech was made by Sergeant Faber, of 
Company I, on behalf of the non-conunissioned officers and pri- 
vates. General Burns received it, replying gracefully and briefly, 
saying that he came as a stranger to succeed Colonel Baker, whom 
we had all learned to idolize. "A brilliant orator, a senator, a 
man whose personal attractions won all hearts", and he, being 
only a soldier, how hard it was for him to gain our confidence 
and love ; thanking them for the gift, he closed as follows : 

T am no longer your General, but will always be your friend, 
and proud of your success. I came to the Army of the Potomac 
at the instance of General McClellan. Burnside and Hooker are 
my friends. T leave with a sad heart, but Rosecrans wants me in 
the West ; there the star of my destiny directs me. Farewell. God 
bless you. 

The sword was one of rare beauty and great costliness, the 
blade pure Damascus, the handle a fine specimen of work in gold, 
diamonds, amethyst, turquoise and other precious stones, having 
forty-one diamonds in the letters W. W. B. and U. S. ; on the 
scabbard in gold bas-relief was an equestrian representation of 
General Burns leading his men, the coat of arms of Pennsylvania, 
a camp scene and a battle scene ; certainly a magnificent souvenir. 

As has been stated, our Brigade took no part in what was called 
Burnside's Mud Campaign on January 19th. 20th, and 21st, but 
we were not to be deprived of like experiences, as after tattoo on 
Wednesday night, February 25th, the Brigade was ordered under 
arms, and left camp with overcoats and accoutrements, command- 
ed by Colonel Baxter, of the Seventy-Second Regiment. The 
ground was covered with snow several inches deep, the moon was 
shining brightly, but clouds could be seen gathering in the distance, 
threatening a storm. We marched about four miles towards 
Hartwood Church,, to intercept a body of rebel cavalry who were 
raiding on our right flank. A halt was made, no fires were allow- 



1863] WINTER QUARTERS . 159 

ed, and to keep warm the men had to tramp up and down, or trot 
around Hke so many horses in a circus ring. Occasionally a fire 
would start up, only to be immediately put out by Colonel Baxter. 
This caused considerable dissatisfaction, and thoughts expressed 
in plain words, but Colonel Baxter said his written orders were 
to allow no fires, and he intended to obey those orders. About 
midnight it began to rain, and about daylight came down in tor- 
rents, melting the snow, turning the ground into mud and slush. 
As soon as it was daylight fires were started in all directions, 
fences and out-buildings were torn down and converted into fuel, 
and everything else that could be got for that purpose ; an old 
wagon and some cart-wheels shared the same fate. About 4 
o'clock a large force of cavalry passed us to the front, and about 
8 o'clock we again pressed forward. It was now much harder 
work ; the rain still continuing, had softened the roads, and made 
the mud nearly over shoe-top, taking us nearly an hour to make 
one mile. After an advance of about three miles, we were halted 
to await the arrival of tw'o wagons that had been sent after us 
with provisions and whiskey. When they arrived, about 12 
o'clock, it was found that the provisions consisted of "hardtack" 
only, which was very poor breakfast after such a night of ex- 
posure, the men not bringing any rations with them, but the whis- 
key was dealt out liberally to the men, which they gladly accepted, 
being greatly in need of some such stimulant ; almost wet to the 
skin, our feet completely soaked, the snow-water penetrating our 
shoes as though they were made of so much paper. About 2 
o'clock an aide arrived with orders for us to return to camj), which 
was gladly received, and back we started through mud and slush 
now over ankle deep, raining very hard, the water cutting gulleys 
in the roads in some places knee deep, through which we had to 
wade, and nearly exhausted we reached camp about 5 o'clock, 
having made that day about ten miles, over the worst roads and 
under the most trying circumstances of any we had yet experi- 
enced. A fruitless march of a brigade of infantry after a body 
of cavalry well mounted, that had at least twelve hours the start, 
and were no doubt safely across the river and in their camp be- 
fore we started ; if we were spared the experiences of the mud 
march of January iQth, 20th and 21st, we lost nothing by our ex- 



IGO THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

perience of February 25th and 26th, and returned to camp with 
''honors easy" between us and the rest of the Army of the Po- 
tomac. 

On March 5th, grand review by General Hooker. 
On March 23d, the death of General Sumner was announced, 
and received with sadness by his entire command. He had won 
the hearts of his men ; his age and genial disposition had won for 
him the paternal name of "Pop Sumner", and his "children" 
were always ready to obey his slightest command, and to follow 
wherever he led. He shared all the dangers of his men, and 
never seemed so happy as when with them hotly engaged with the 
enemy. He never considered his own personal safety. The 
members of our Brigade will never forget his conduct at Antie- 
tam, where he rode into the thickest of the fight to save the balance 
of Sedgwick's Division from capture or annihilation. Another 
brave soldier gone to his rest, after forty-two years' active mili- 
tary life, but not as he would have wished, in the fight at the head 
of his men. May he rest in peace. 

Before daylight on the morning of April ist we were ordered 
under arms. After remaining in line about an hour, we were dis- 
missed. As no cause was given, all hands thought they had been 
made the victims of an April fool joke, but two hours later, learn- 
ed that three hundred rebels had deserted, crossed the river, and 
surrendered, and our pickets, thinking it was another raid, gave 
the alarm and prepared us to meet it. 

During the afternoon of April 7th, General Owen was present- 
ed with a fine horse, and a full and elegant set of equipments, in- 
cluding sword, sash and belt, and horse equipments, and had pre- 
pared for his friends a banquet, and had a large frame building 
erected, a table spread, and entertained all the officers of the Bri- 
gade in fine style, and a "jolly time" they had until late at night. 

On April 8th, we were again reviewed by President Lincoln, 
who was received with great enthusiasm. He was accompanied 
by his wife and two sons. The latter rode with him along the 
line, and we saw Mrs. Lincoln seated in the carriage as we passed 
in review. 

On the 14th, orders were issued to make the following prepara- 




Edwin V. Sumner, 

Major General United States Army. 



1863] WINTER QUARTERS 161 

tions for moving: To turn over to the Quartermaster all extra 
clothing on hand ; each man to take only an extra shirt, pair of 
drawers and stockings ; to pack five days' rations of crackers, 
coffee and sugar in knapsacks, and three days' rations in our 
haversacks, the meat to be "on the hoof", and each man to carry 
forty rounds of ammunition. 

On April 21st we were paid for four months. 



1C2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [18G3 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

TOWARDS the latter part of April, General Hooker, having 
perfected his plans, and with an army now numbering 
about 130,000 men all told — Doubleday estimated the 
force to be "124,500 men of all arms, 11,500 of which were 
cavalry", and Swinton puts the number at 120,000 infantry and 
artillery, and 12,000 cavalry; total, 132,000 — decided to commence 
operations, and on Monday morning, April 27th, the movement 
began. A column of about 40,000 men of the Corps of Meade, 
(Fifth, 15,000) Howard. (Eleventh, 15,000) and Slocum, 
(Twelfth, 11,000) ; the whole under the command of General 
Slocum marched up to Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock river, 
about twenty-seven miles above Fredericksburg ; threw a pontoon 
bridge across the river and crossed without opposition on the night 
of the 28th and the morning of the 29th ; then moved southeaster- 
ly towards Chancellorsville, crossing the Rapidan river, Howard's 
and Slocum's Corps, at Germania Ford, and Meade's Corps, at 
Ely's Ford, having to wade at both places, the water being about 
four feet deep ; the men carried their clothes, haversacks and ac- 
coutrements on their guns to keep them dry. Meade moved 
further east along the Rappahannock to United States Ford, 
driving from there a force of three brigades of the enemy, thus 
affording Couch an opportunity to cross his Corps, numbering 
about 16,000 men, and these combined forces, now amounting to 
nearly 55,000 men, pressed forward toward Chancellorsville, close- 
ly followed by Sickles' Corps, that had been relieved from Sedg- 
wick's forces below and was now fast pushing on to join Hooker, 
adding about 18,000 more men. This movement was so rapidly 
executed that Lee was taken completely by surprise, his left flank 
being turned before he was aware of Hooker's intentions. In 
the meanwhile, Sedgwick was to force a crossing below Frede- 
ricksburg with the combined forces of Reynolds' (First, 16,000), 



1863] CHANCELLORSl'ILLE 163 

Sickles* (Third, 18,000) and his own Corps (Sixth, 22,000); 
this was a feint as though the attack was to be made at that point ; 
he also met with little opposition, accomplished his object and 
crossed about two miles below the city. Learning that Hooker 
had arrived at Chancellorsville, he first relieved Sickles and sent 
him to follow Hooker, as above mentioned, and afterwards sent 
Reynolds, leaving only his own Corps and our Division, now com- 
manded by General John Gibbon, with the exception of our Brigade, 
which was detailed to guard Banks' Ford and keep open the com- 
munication at that point. As soon as Sedgwick's troops (now 
about 25,000) had all crossed, one of the bridges was taken up 
and transported to Banks' Ford. Our Brigade was awakened 
about 2 o'clock on that morning, May ist, with orders to assist the 
engineers, and, leaving their arms and accoutrements in camp, 
assisted in moving the train of boats over the rough and hilly 
roads to the ford, reaching there about 8 o'clock. Leaving the 
Sixty-Ninth Regiment there, the rest of the brigade returned to 
camp for their arms, and as soon as we got dinner the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Regiment was ordered back to the ford to relieve 
the Sixty-Ninth Regiment, and arrived there about 4 o'clock, 
pretty well tired out, making about eighteen miles we marched 
that day ; about dark moved down to the river and deployed as 
pickets or lookouts ; everything remained quiet during the night ; 
the next morning we were relieved by the Seventy-Second Regi- 
ment, which, with the rest of the brigade, had left camp about 
midnight and arrived at the ford about 2 o'clock in the morning. 
We remained quiet all day, the rebel pickets plainly visible on the 
opposite bank and their works a short distance back. Heavy 
firing heard on our right and down on the left, nearly all day. 

Early on Sunday, May 3d, we had orders to clear our front and 
lay the bridge ; this the enemy proposed to resist, until a detach- 
ment of the Seventy-First Regiment, under Lieutenant Seabury, 
a dashing and gallant officer of that regiment, and an aide on 
General Owen's stafif, plunging into the river and with difficulty 
forcing their way across, effected a landing and captured a num- 
ber of prisoners. The engineers at once set to work to lay the 
bridge, supported by our Brigade and about sixty pieces of reserve 
artillery, in position on the bank above. 



164 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [1863 

Sedgwick moved forward, and before daylight on Sunday 
morning had occupied the city of Fredericksburg and attempted 
to carry the heights by surprise, but was beaten back with heavy 
loss by the forces of Early stationed there. He then arranged for 
a combined assault, and about noon, charged and succeeded in 
capturing their first line. Following up the advantage he had 
gained, he pressed forward, and after considerable difficulty and 
heavy loss, carried the famous Marye's Heights, that had resisted 
all the efforts of Burnside on December 13th, and although noth- 
ing near the same force defended them, yet the natural strength 
of the position put it into the power of a comparatively small force 
to hold them against heavy odds. Sedgwick having accomplish- 
ed the task assigned him, now moved to join Hooker at Chancel- 
lorsville, along the Rappahannock via Salem. 

Here the enemy, reinforced by Wilcox's Brigade, that had been 
disputing the crossing of our Brigade at Banks' Ford, made a 
determined stand, and during the rest of that day held their 
ground with heavy skirmishing, and prevented Sedgwick's furth- 
er advance. Early was now reinforced by Anderson's Division 
of about 10,000 men, with instructions to crush Sedgwick, and the 
next day attacked him in force, and gradually forced him back 
to Banks' Ford. This prevented his union with Hooker ; with 
his command now reduced by a loss of nearly 4.000, he made a 
determined stand, throwing Howe's Division around until his left 
rested on the river, and repulsed their assault. 

Our Brigade had crossed as soon as the bridge was completed 
the day before. The Seventy-First Regiment, which was on the 
lead, were thrown forward as skirmishers, and had advanced about 
one mile, driving the enemy's skirmishers before them. General 
Owen then formed the Brigade, so as to protect the bridge and 
resist any attack, and remained unmolested that night and the 
next morning. Learning that Sedgwick was then hotly engaged 
at Salem Church, and struggling against fearful odds, he advanc- 
ed the Brigade to his assistance, and informed him that the bridge 
was completed at Banks' Ford, and telegraphic communication 
opened with General Hooker. About 6 o'clock Early made a 
final attempt to cut the communication between Sedgwick and 
the bridge, and made a determined charge on Howe's Division 



1S63] CHANCELLORSVILLE 165 

which Sedgwick repulsed, and then countercharged, driving them 
before him, capturing a number of prisoners and three battle-flags. 
Our Brigade was then ordered back to the Ford, threw up en- 
trenchments, and held that position, covering the retreat of Sedg- 
wick, whose entire command crossed the river that night. Our 
Brigade was then withdrawn just before daylight, across the river, 
the engineers taking up the bridge. We then returned to camp, 
arriving there about 9 o'clock, where we remained until June 14th. 
Meanwhile Hooker was getting the worst of the fight at Chan- 
cellorsville. Jackson had made a detour of about fifteen miles, 
until he came around on Hooker's right flank, occupied by the 
Eleventh Corps under Howard, whom he, in broad daylight, took 
completely by surprise, though he had frequently been warned of 
the enemy's approach by mounted vedettes, and finally by an offic- 
er, and then by officers of his own command, yet even then he fail- 
ed to realize his danger and he made no preparation to receive them, 
and, when too late to prevent it, Jackson came crushing through 
his lines, driving his whole Corps back in utmost confusion, until 
the enemy occupied all the ground where his Corps had been in 
position, being checked for three-quarters of an hour by one 
P)rigade only, when Berry's Division of Sickles' Corps, which was 
in reserve in rear of Hazel Grove, was sent to recover the ground 
lost by Howard, and charging through Howard's fleeing column, 
met the pursuing enem}' with the bayonet, and checked their 
further advance. Then General Pleasanton, commanding the 
cavalry, returning to his former position, found all chaos and con- 
fusion and men fleeing to the rear. He saw that something must 
be done to check them ; he ordered forward the Eighth Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, under its gallant commander, Major Keenan. They 
had not gone far before they met the enemy's line of battle, ad- 
vancing. Major Keenan, the gallant commander, saw in an m- 
stant that he was in a bad fix, and m.ust do something, or the 
enemy would capture his whole comand, and advance between the 
flanks of our army, and perhaps capture the artillery in position 
in his rear. So he gallantly led his little band of about four hun- 
dred in that heroic charge against those nearly ten thousand 
victorious enemy. This the enemy met and repulsed with fearful 
loss, including that gallant commander, who fell dead at the head 



IGG THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1863 

of his brave men, many of whom also fell, and the rest fell back, 
but they had accomplished their object, had checked the enemy's 
advance, and warned our men of their close proximity, gained 
time to re-form and strengthen our line, and then withdrawing, 
opened the way for our batteries to discharge their double-shotted 
guns as they opened fire and poured grape and canister into that 
still advancing line of the enemy, cutting them down like grass, or 
blowing them to pieces. That noble officer and his brave band 
had been sacrificed, but our army was saved, and repeated charges 
of the enemy were repulsed by Berry and Pleasanton. It was a 
more gallant, heroic and nobler charge than that of the Light 
Brigade at Balaklava, for greater issues were at stake, the men 
engaged were less, the opposing forces larger and the loss much 
greater. This ended the fight for that day, about 9 p. m., Satur- 
day, May 2d. It was fearful odds for Howard, wdio had only 
about 9,000 men to meet this attack of Jackson with 26,000, yet 
for w-ant of proper precaution he was taken so by surprise that 
he could make no attempt to check them, but fell back in wild 
confusion. No advantage could be said to have been gained by 
Jackson by this movement other than completely demoralizing 
Howard's Corps, and capturing a number of his men. The small 
ground gained was of no advantage and it was here after the fight- 
ing had ceased that General Jackson was mortally wounded by 
his own men. He had ridden out with a small escort to recon- 
noitre, and was returning, when they were mistaken for a detach- 
ment of our cavalry and fired into. Jackson received three 
wounds, was carried to the rear, and died eight days after ; nearly 
all of his staff and escort were either killed or w^ounded. 

During the night our lines were strengthened. Reynolds' 
Corps was brought up from near the United States Ford and 
placed where Howard's Corps had been, their line extending 
further to the right, Slocum in the centre, and Sickles on the left. 
Hooker had unfortunately directed Sickles' withdrawal from an 
elevated position he held, known as Hazel Grove, which was im- 
mediately taken advantage of by the rebels under Stuart, now 
commanding Jackson's Corps, who planted his artillery there, and 
as soon as daylight of Sunday, May 3d. appeared, opened an en- 
filading fire on Hooker's line, and then fiercely assaulted Sickles, 



1S63] CHANCELLORS]' ILLE 167 

who, after repulsing their attack three or four times, and re- 
peatedly calling for reinforcements in vain, was finally compelled, 
with his 10,000 men, to yield before the 20,000 of Stuart, whereas, 
had either Meade or Reynolds been sent to Sickles' assistance, 
they could have held their ground and gained the victory. French 
had with his division of the Second Corps been ordered to Sickles' 
assistance, and struck Stuart sharply on the flank by a charge of 
Carroll's Brigade, but he too was soon repulsed. The enemy, then 
making another charge, captured our artillery on Fairview 
Heights, only to be driven back and guns recaptured. In the 
meantime, Lee had thrown his forces against Hooker's centre, 
held by Slocum, and gradually worked around to effect a union 
with Stuart, which he finally consummated. Hooker had his 
headquarters at the Chancellorsville House, which was now in 
range of Stuart's batteries at Hazel Grove, and while leaning 
against a pillar he was knocked insensible from concussion of a 
shot that struck the pillar, and was for a time succeeded by Couch, 
who assumed command, and was soon strengthening his lines, 
having taken a much stronger position, with both flanks retired, 
to reach the Rapidan river, covering both Germania and Ely 
Fords. The position was a strong one, and could have repulsed 
any attack that Lee might make against it, when Couch was again 
relieved by Hooker, who, remembering only the condition of the 
army when he was compelled to relinquish the command of it, 
immediately ordered them to fall back. This was a serious mis- 
take, for Hooker had about 35,000 men in the First and Fifth 
Corps that had not been engaged, and were fresh and eager for 
a chance to assault. This could not fail to have been successful, 
as Lee's troops were all tired and fought out. Lee made no at- 
tack that morning, May 4, and a violent storm lasting all the after- 
noon prevented any movement. That night Hooker's whole 
army recrossed the Rapidan, and then the Rappahannock, and 
daylight of the 5th of May found them fast making their way 
back to their old camps opposite Fredericksburg. As has been 
said, Sedgwick's Corps and our Division (Gibbon's) recrossed 
the same night at Banks' Ford. Lee made no attempt to follow, 
being prevented mainly by the rapidly rising river. 

Hooker left his killed and wounded behind, and lost 14 guns 



168 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

and over 20,000 stands of arms. Our loss is reported at 17,197 
in killed, wounded and missing, being 12,197 in killed and wound- 
ed, and 5,000 missing; and that of the enemy 13,000, over 10,000 
killed and wounded, and about 3,000 missing. 

Bryant reports the loss as follows: "Federal losses 17,000, of 
whom 12,000 were killed and wounded, and 5,000 missing; of 
the killed and wounded, 7,000 were in the corps of Sedgwick and 
Sickles, and 4,400 in those of Slocum, Couch and Howard, and 
only 600 in those of Meade and Reynolds ; of the missing nearly 
one-half were from Howard's corps. Confederate, 13,000, of 
whom 10,300 were killed and wounded, and 2,700 missing". An- 
other writer, speaking of Howard's defeat, says : "The rout of 
Howard's Corps was possible only from the greatest neglect of all 
military precautions" ; and further says : "The blame of this sur- 
prise cannot however fairly be laid upon Hooker". 





iUTENANT Joshua A. Gage. 

1861. May 12, 1864 

As Sergeant. 
to Second Lieutenant, July 19, 186 
:d at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
pottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 18 



Sergeant John E. Rockwell. 

Aug. 26, 1861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant, Sept. i, 1863. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10, 1864. 



COMPANY D. 



J •• •• *• •"' ( 




PORAL ElLERY J. H01.COMB. 

;86i. May 12, 1864. 

As Private, 
ted to Corporal, March 14, 1863. 
i at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, i852. 
ottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 




CoRPOiiAL Peter W. Scheik. 



Aug. 26. 1861. June 30. 1863. 

Reinlisted March 30, 1S64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, 1864. 

Prisoner from June 22. 1S64 to .May 17, 1865. 

Promoted to Corporal, Co. K , Jan. i, 1865. 

Mustered out with that Co., June 30, 1865. 



18631 INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 1G9 



CHAPTER XV 



INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



GENERAL LEE had resolved to make another invasion of the 
North, this time on a scale that he believed would enable 
him to dictate terms of peace for the South by the capture 
of some of the principal Northern cities. He reorganized his army 
into three Corps and placed them under the command of Generals 
Longstreet, Ewell and A. P. Hill, numbering nearly 100,000 men 
with 15,000 cavalr}' under Stuart. With this army, the largest 
and by far the best equipped the Confederacy ever placed in the 
field, he started early in June up the Shenandoah Valley to Win- 
chester, and on the 24th and 25th of June crossed the Potomac 
once more into Maryland, almost within sight of the battlefield 
of Antietam. 

General Hooker, suspecting some movement of Lee, tried by re- 
connoissance to ascertain where, first by sending Sedgwick to 
cross the Rappahannock river four miles below Fredericksburg 
where Franklin crossed the December before, who, pushing for- 
ward, found the enemy in force behind their works on the heights, 
but gained no other information. General Pleasanton was then 
sent with a large force of cavalry and a brigade of infantry to 
the north ; he struck the rebels at Brandy Station, where he had 
a short but severe engagement, and he there learned of Lee's 
movement northward. Hooker immediately put his army in 
motion to follow Lee, but by the time he got started Lee was in 
Winchester, having surprised General Milroy commanding there, 
whom he forced to retire, losing about 2,300 prisoners. 

Up to this time we remained quietly in our camp around Fal- 
mouth, moving our camp on May 9th to a more pleasant location. 
The paymaster again visited us on May 24th, this time giving us 
two months' pay. On May loth, Colonel Morehead left us to 
take command of the First Brigade, taking Adjutant Pleis as 



170 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

his A. A. A. G., leaving Lieutenant Colonel Curry in command 
of the Regiment and Lieutenant Steel, of Company B, Acting- 
Adjutant. 

Quite a number of changes were made in our officers since the 
beginning of this year. Captain R. W. P. Allen of Company C 
was discharged to accept promotion ; Captain Francis H. Acliuff 
of Company E and Lieutenant Benjamin F. Sloanaker of Company 
C were discharged on account of wounds ; Captain P. J. Hallowell 
of Company B and T. J. Fimple of Company K on account of 
disability, which necessitated the following promotions : First 
Lieutenant James C. Lynch of Company A to Captain of Com- 
pany B, and the following First Lieutenants to be Captains of 
their respective companies : John W. Lynch of Company C, 
Salatial R. Townsend of Company E, Lynford D. C. Tyler of 
Company H, and Francis Wessels of Company K. The follow- 
ing non-commissioned stafif officers to be commissioned officers : 
Sergeant Majors Theodore Wharton and James C. Biggs to be 
Second Lieutenants and then First Lieutenants, and William A. 
Hagy to be Second Lieutenant, and the following Sergeants to be 
Lieutenants of their respective companies : Charles S. Schwartz 
of Company A to Second and then to First Lieutenant, and Wil- 
liam M. Casey to Second Lieutenant, William H. Smith of Com- 
pany B to Second Lieutenant, Harry Neville of Company C to 
Second and then to First Lieutenant, Joshua A. Gage, Company D 
to Second Lieutenant, Jacob M. Miller of Company E to Second 
and then to First Lieutenant, Clark Whitmoyer of Company F to 
Second Lieutenant, John F. Hassett of Company H to Second and 
then to First Lieutenant, and William B. Rose to Second Lieuten- 
ant, William A. Hughes, Company I to Second Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam May, Company K to Second and then to First Lieutenant, 
and Horace B. Rutherford to Second Lieutenant. 

On June 14th, orders were received to prepare to move at once 
and to destroy all things that would not be needed while on the 
march or could not be carried, but not to make any fires, as the 
attempt to destroy them by fire would have revealed our inten- 
tions to move to the enemy, so everything was either cut, torn or 
broken to pieces. The wagons were all loaded and sent to the 
rear, but the tents were left standing until after dark. Some of 



1863] INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 171 

the men amused themselves stuffing old clothes and stood them 
up in different parts of the camp with old guns fastened to them, 
so that, from a distance, they looked very much like men on guard, 
yet presented a very comical appearance when close, and we had 
a good laugh at thern. After tattoo or about 9 o'clock, we were 
ordered in line and soon started. We had gone only about three 
miles and got safely across a large swamp, wetting ourselves al- 
most to the knees, when we were ordered back to camp, where 
we arrived about 1 1 o'clock and told to rest. So, wet as we were, 
we were soon asleep, but not long to remain so, as at 3 o'clock we 
were awakened and again ordered in line, and went as far as 
Division Headquarters, were halted again and kept there until 
after daylight ; we then started in earnest and pushed on rapidly, 
arriving at Stafford Court House about 10 o'clock, having made 
ten miles ; we halted about an hour and a half and then continued 
our march. The weather then became very warm, the sun so 
hot that a great many of the men were sunstruck, and nearly one 
half of the men gave out, causing heavy straggling, so that when 
we crossed the Chopawamsic near x\quia creek, and went into 
camp about a mile beyond, we had marched about eighteen miles, 
and there was only about one half of each command present. It 
was one of the hottest days we had experienced, and then being 
loaded down with our full accoutrements and three days' rations, 
and extra ammunition, the men could hardly get along. Over 
500 in our Corps alone were sunstruck or overcome with the heat, 
some dropping in the ranks as they marched along. The writer 
was one of them ; without a moment's notice as he was marching 
at the head of the Regiment, he dropped in his tracks as though 
shot down, and unconscious w^as lifted to one side of the road, 
placed in the shade, and left, how long he remained there he 
knew not. but late in the afternoon he regained consciousness 
and realized his danger of capture, as not a vestige of our troops 
were in sight, so gathering up his remaining strength he started 
after the retreating column. Just before dark he reached the 
Chopawamsic creek and halted long enough to take a good bath, 
w'hich cooled his heated body and greatly benefited him. so that 
he continued his lonely march greatly improved. He did not 
see one of his comrades from the time he dropped in the ranks. 



172 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1S63 

until about dark when he caught up with the rear of the army, 
and about 9 o'clock reached the camp of his regiment and was 
soon asleep. Had he delayed his march much longer he would 
have been captured as the enemy followed closely on his heels 
and reached our outposts about the same time he reached his regi- 
mental camp. Several of the cases proved fatal. 

About 2 o'clock on the morning of the i6th we were again 
under arms, and before daylight again tramping along; our Bri- 
gade was on the advance, the Seventy-Second leading. We 
arrived at Dumfries at 7 o'clock, making nine miles before break- 
fast ; halted for about two hours, drew rations, got our breakfast 
and then continued our march until about 3 o'clock, then halted for 
half an hour, and at 4 o'clock reached the Occoquan Creek at Wolf 
Run Shoals, which we waded, and moved about a mile farther 
and camped ; we had made that day twenty miles. It was another 
very hot day, and large numbers of the men were overcome by 
the heat, so that when we arrived at the Occoquan Creek nearly 
all took advantage of the fine opportunity for a good bath and 
swim in its clear, deep and cool waters, so that very few went 
into camp with the regiments, and many of those who did came 
back to enjoy a bath, which was very refreshing. 

On the 17th, left camp about 8 o'clock and marched about eight 
miles to Sangster's Station on the Orange and Alexandria Rail- 
road, and not very far from Fairfax Station, and formed in line 
of battle facing Bull Run; remaining there on the i8th, and on 
the afternoon of the 19th pushed on to Centreville, arriving there 
about 5 o'clock. 

On the 20th, about 12 o'clock, we left camp, passed through 
Centreville and over the battlefield of Bull Run, still showing 
marks of the hard-fought battle on the trees and fences, some of 
them completely riddled with bullets or cut in two with shot or 
shell ; carcasses of horses scattered all around, giving out their 
foul odors, and, worst of all, the hastily-made graves for those 
w^hose lives had been required of them, with scarcely dirt enough 
on them to cover their bodies. From one, the knee of a man was 
sticking out, another the hand and foot, another the greater part 
of the head ; the hand and foot of another man was lying in a 
ditch, and further on the bones of a man's leg ; these were seen 



1863] INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 173 

just as we passed along the road. What must have been the case 
had one gone over the field? It seemed hard to give one's life 
for their country and harder yet, so long after the battle, not to 
be decently buried, or at least have dirt enough to cover one's 
bones ; our pioneers were finally detailed to fill up the graves and 
bury the loose bones. 

We arrived at Gainesville about dark, where we thought we 
would rest for the night, but after a short rest on we went, passed 
through Haymarket about 8 o'clock and pushed on to Thorough- 
fare Gap, where we arrived about ii o'clock; it raining all after- 
noon and evening. Our Brigade only, going that far, the rest 
of the corps lying between Gainesville and Haymarket ; we 
having made a march of twenty-one miles, and that part after 
leaving Ha^'market was very hard on us, the road being muddy, 
rough and stony ; the night being very dark, we would tumble 
over large stones or into mud puddles, so that when we arrived 
at the Gap we were nearly exhausted ; and, tired, wet and hungry, 
we threw ourselves down to sleep, a sleep that only worn-out 
soldiers can enjoy ; we were worn out then, and, I think it would 
have been almost impossible to have gone any further. On the 
morning of the 2ist, moved up into position on the mountain and 
posted pickets down on the western side, on a slight elevation 
about three-quarters of a mile in advance of our line. 

We remained at the Gap unmolested until June 25. Our posi- 
tion, a very pleasant one, afforded us a fine view of the surround- 
ing country; stretching far away in front of us, lay the beautiful 
Loudon A^alley reaching to the Blue Ridge in the distance ; to 
our left and rear a fine, level plain, comprising part of Prince 
William County, through which we had just marched ; to our 
right the high mountains continuing their rugged sides north- 
ward until cut in two by the Potomac, and thence on into Mary- 
land as the Catoctin Mountains ; even our line of battle added 
to the picture, formed with the right resting on the side of the 
mountain extending southward, the Seventy-Second Regiment 
on the right, the One Hundred and Sixth on their left, the battery 
with the Sixty-Ninth and Seventy-First Regiments formed in the 
rear; thus were we prepared to meet an attack and dispute the 
passage of the enemy at that point. 



174 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

At daylight on that day, June 25th, our pickets were attacked ; 
the Seventy-Second Regiment was sent out double-quick to their 
relief, followed soon after by the Sixty-Ninth, but the enemy not 
pressing their attack, those regiments were relived by the 
Seventy-First and One Hundred and Sixth, as soon as they got 
their breakfast, so that they could return to their camps for 
theirs. Shortly after the Brigade was withdrawn and started to 
rejoin the corps at Haymarket, but had gone but a little way 
when they were halted and formed in line of battle, the One 
Hundred and Sixth Regiment supporting the battery. About 
noon again fell back, and when about a mile from Haymarket, 
while marching along the road, the rebels ran a light battery into 
position on a slight elevation, on the right of, and about four hun- 
dred yards from the road, and opened on us with shot and shell, 
one of the latter bursting in Company I of our Regiment, wound- 
ing four men, and one man in Company C ; other shots knocked 
over two of our caissons ; one we righted and got along, the other 
we had to leave ; one of our batteries was soon run into position 
and returned their shots and soon dismounted one of their guns 
and drove them far from their position. Upon reaching Hay- 
market we left the main road ; turning to the left, we made for 
the Potomac so as to cross into Maryland, and arrived at Gum 
Spring about 9 o'clock and camped, having marched about twenty- 
three miles — the latter part in a drizzling rain over muddy roads, 
coating our pants with clayey mud up to the knees, making them 
very heavy and wet. x^s we were, when we halted for the night 
without stopping to clean them off, we went to sleep and slept 
soundly. 

These sudden changes of position, the long and hurried marches 
to make them, in different directions, and the haste in which they 
were made, necessarily provoked anxiety to know why, and 
rumors as to the cause found rapid transit. Among those, then 
currently believed, was that the Second Corps was cut off from 
the rest of the army, by Stuart pushing forward his cavalry and 
occupying the road between Gainesville and Centreville — that 
Hancock's orders were to withdraw from Thoroughfare Gap and 
join the army at Centreville. To have executed that order would 
have placed him at the mercy of Stuart, who had selected a strong 



1863] IXl'ASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 175 

position, covering the road leading to Centreville, and with his 
whole force well posted and supported by artillery, would have 
given him a decided advantage over us. But Hancock was equal 
to the emergency. Knowing that Stuart was so posted, he pro- 
posed to keep him there, and knowing also that the objective 
point of the Army of the Potomac was Maryland and perhaps 
Pennsylvania, after Lee, if he could not join it at Centreville, he 
could in Maryland ; so he hastily writes a dispatch to General 
Hooker at Centreville, saying that he would put his corps in 
motion for that place via Gainesville, and would be there that 
evening; he then sent an orderly full speed in that direction, 
knowing that he would not go far before he fell into the hands of 
the enemy, and the dispatch would reveal Hancock's intentions 
and make them wait there to receive him, and allow him to pro- 
ceed on his way unmolested ; he therefore made direct for the 
Potomac by taking a small road that branched off to the left of 
Haymarket, and pushed on rapidly to Gum Spring, where as 
has been said we arrived about 9 o'clock that night, thus putting 
a long day's march between his command and Stuart. It was also 
said that General Hooker did not know what had become of the 
Second Corps until it turned up in Maryland. As to their full 
truth the writer is unable to say ; but this much was known, that 
we were making as fast as we could towards Centreville until 
the attack at Haymarket, when almost immediately the main road 
was left and the small road taken, even after some of the troops 
had passed it and they had to come back to it — that with consid- 
erable turning and rapid marching, which was kept up till nearly 
midnight, we reached Gum Spring, a distance of about twenty- 
three miles. 

After a night of continuous rain, 6 o'clock on the morning of 
the 26th found us again moving fast, and a march of twelve miles 
brought us to Edwards' Ferry about noon, where we rested until 
dark, when we moved down to the Ferry, but were not able to 
cross until 10 o'clock at night ; we then went about a mile further 
and camped, sleeping once more on the soil of Maryland. Back 
once more in "Maryland my Maryland." We remained in camp 
on the 27th until about 2 o'clock when we again continued our 
march, passing through Poolesville about 4 o'clock and Barns- 



176 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

ville late at night, and after going two miles further stopped for 
the night, having marched about sixteen miles. 

It was here that the writer had rather an uncomfortable ex- 
perience, which goes to make up a soldier's life. Being very tired 
when we halted for the night, he, together with the comrade* that 
nearly always slept beneath the same blanket, prepared to get 
what sleep the rest of the night afiforded, without waiting for 
supper, and selected a spot behind a large boulder, spread down 
the gum blanket, taking ofif coat for a pillow, and shoes for com- 
fort, covered themselves with the woolen blanket and went to 
sleep. It was a disturbed sleep ; without being fully awake, the 
writer was conscious of being used to satisfy the hunger of a 
number of some small insects, and as the bites would occur on 
different parts of the body, was aware of scratching to relieve 
them, and came to the conclusion that the "graybacks" or the 
"soldier's body-guard", as some called them, had suddenly made 
their home with him, and knoiving, as every soldier ahvays did 
know, that they must have come from somebody else, felt not very 
well disposed towards his comrade with whom he shared his 
blanket, who also seemed far from enjoying his rest; was finally 
aware that his companion got up and left him before it was yet 
day, and shortly after, just as day was breaking, the writer also 
left his bed in no very pleasant humor. Going to a fire nearby 
he found his companion seated there with his elbows on his knees, 
supporting his head with his hands, looking into the fire as glum 
as the writer felt, and found that he had not rested any better, 
and entertained the same very complimentary opinion of the 
writer as the writer did of him. Each declaring that he was not 
in that condition before, began an examination of their clothing, 
when instead of "graybacks" what was their surprise to find their 
tormentors to have been large black ants, a number of their bodies 
being found among the clothes of each, killed by our scratching, 
and our bodies having the appearance of being affected with the 
measles. Going to where we slept, we found large quantities of 
them among the blankets, dead, partly dead, and alive. After 
expressing ourselves in no very complimentary or choice terms 

*Gustavus Josephs of Company E. 



18G3] INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 177 

to the ants, we had a g-ood laugh at ourselves, accusing each other 
of being the innocent cause of our loss of sleep and rest. 

Leaving camp about 9 o'clock on the morning of the 28th we 
passed through Urbana about noon, then on and went into camp 
at Monocacy Junction, within four miles from Frederick, march- 
ing about ten miles. 

On the 29th General Hooker, at his own request, was relieved 
from command of the Army of the Potomac and Major General 
George G. Meade, then commanding the Fifth Corps, was appoint- 
ed his successor who upon assuming command issued the follow- 
ing order, characteristic of the man. Discarding all the bom- 
bastic utterances of his predecessors, he made no promises nor 
held up to his men any visionary victories or conquests, but rely- 
ing on the loyalty of the Army, and the hand of Providence, to 
shape future events. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 
June 28th, 1863. 
By direction of the President of the United States, I hereby as- 
sume command of the Army of the Potomac. As a soldier, in 
obeying this order — an order totally unexpected and unsolicited — 
I have no promises or pledges to make. The country looks to this 
army to relieve it from the devastation and disgrace of a hostile in- 
vasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may be called upon 
to undergo, let us have in view constantly the magnitude of the 
interests involved, and let each man determine to do his duty, leav- 
ing to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the contest. It 
is with just diffidence that I relieve of the command of this army 
an eminent and accomplished soldier, whose name must ever 
appear conspicious in the history of its achievements ; but I rely 
upon the hearty support of my companions in arms to assist me in 
the discharge of the duties of the important trust which has been 
confided to me. George G. Meade, 

Major-General commanding. 

This change was a great surprise to the whole army, and com- 
ing as it did upon the eve of an important battle, in the middle 
of a campaign, was likely to prove disastrous. The "swapping 
of horses in crossing a stream" has always been condemned, but 
the men had now got used to these sudden changes of command- 
ers and positions and were prepared to do their duty. 



178 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

On the same day Brigadier General Alexander S. Webb, of 
the Regular Army, assumed command of our Brigade, relieving 
General Owen. This was another unexpected change and a man 
we knew nothing about, but soon found that he was a soldier in 
the full acceptation of the word. 

Early on that morning, June 29th, we noticed the rest of the 
Corps moving off and wondered why we received no orders to 
move, especially as the rest of the Division had gone, and began 
to think w^e had been left behind on purpose to guard the city of 
Frederick, and were congratulating ourselves that at last we were 
going to have what the boys called a "soft snap", when an aide 
rode hurriedl}' into our camp, inquiring for General Webb ; he was 
directed to him, and instantly the assembly was sounded and we 
were ordered to move, and soon started. It appears that the 
orders sent to the rest of the Corps to move early did not reach 
us, and it was not until nearly all had left that it was discovered; 
the change of our Brigade commander principally being the cause. 
It was after 8 o'clock when we left camp and brought up the rear 
of the Corps behind the First Division ; crossed the Monocacy 
Creek and passed to the right of Frederick, and then left the 
Corps ; turning off the pike to the left took the road to Liberty 
and again struck the Monocacy, but at this place there was no 
bridge, so we were compelled to wade, and, being over knee deep, 
the men stopped, as they usually did, to take oif their shoes and 
stockings and roll up their pants, but General Webb found that 
was taking too much time and he was anxious to make up for that 
lost, so he ordered the men to wade right in, and jumping from 
his horse stood in the middle of the stream until the whole Brigade 
had passed, ordering each man that hesitated to move on at once ; 
of course, this met with the disapproval of the men, who were not 
backward in expressing their feelings in terms not very compli- 
mentary to the General, and the remarks might have been heard 
by him had he chosen to listen. One of the Sixty-Ninth Regi- 
ment, more bold than the rest and with his natural Irish bluntness, 
addressed as he passed: "Sure it's no wonder ye can stand there 
when ye are leather up to your waist". The General having on 
a pair of long boots that came up above his knees. This created 
a good laugh by those who heard it ; he paid no attention whatever, 



1863] INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA 179 

but continued to order his men forward and remained there until 
the last man had crossed. 

It was here that Captain Breintenbach of Company G, got him- 
self into trouble by trying to evade those orders of General 
Webb, meant to apply to officers as well as men, by trying to cross 
the creek on a log instead of wading. He had got about half 
way across when seen by the General, who ordered him back and 
placed him in arrest. This worried the Captain very much, and 
fearing the consequences, he appealed to Dr. McLean, our Assis- 
tant Surgeon, to help him out of the scrape, and the Doctor, ever 
ready to relieve his suffering comrades, at once gave him a certifi- 
cate that 'iiis pre-disposition to rheumatism rendered his wading 
through the creek dangerous to his health". Fortified with that, 
the Captain appeared before the General, and after a lecture on 
the example of "disobedience of orders" he had set the men, and 
a reprimand, he was released from arrest and returned to duty, 
greatly relieved in mind. 

Not leaving camp on time, on account of the orders not being 
received, we lost our position in line, which, that day, was the 
right or advance of the whole Corps, and General Webb was am- 
bitious enough to try and regain it, and did not want to lose any 
time, and, as has been stated, turned off the main road and, march- 
ing at quick time without any halt, we arrived at the junction of 
the two roads just as the advance of the First Division had passed, 
and as we could not break into their column we had to wait until 
the whole division passed. We had marched three miles further 
by that road and gained the length of that division, but had to 
wait and take the same position that we started in that morning, 
in their rear. We arrived at Liberty at noon, where a long halt 
was made, but General Webb moved on and took our position in 
line just as the Division was about to move again, so we had to 
continue right on without any rest ; the balance of the Division 
having had over half an hour's rest, yet we had then marched 
about nineteen miles and needed rest, but had to continue on with- 
out any. We passed through Johnsville and Union Bridge ; at 
each place the ladies supplied us with cool drinking water and 
some milk, others pies, bread and butter ; being on the advance we 
got the best. In Company A of our Regiment was a fine glee 



180 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

club, and when passing through these towns, notwithstanding 
their long march and tired condition, they began singing, which 
was soon taken up by the whole Regiment ; this amused the in- 
habitants and cheered the boys, and made them forget their 
fatigues and freshened them for the rest of their march. Con- 
tinuing our march through Muttonville we arrived at Uniontown 
about 9 o'clock at night, and about a mile further on went into 
camp completely used up. This was the longest days' march we 
ever made, our Brigade having marched thirty-five miles in about 
fourteen hours ; three miles further than the rest of the Corps. 

Did not leave camp on the 30th, and, were mustered for pay, and 
sad to relate that it was the last muster of many who answered 
to their names that day, not even living to draw the pay for 
which they were that day mustered; many of them were laid to 
rest on Gettysburg's hallowed field. 




Sergeant HiiNuv C. Veil. 

Aug. 26, 1861. Aug. 13, 1862. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 13, 1862 




Sergeant Ciles M. Chons. 
Aug. 26, 1861. June 30, 1865. 

As Private. 

Re-enlisted, Dec. 29, 1863. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal, July 11, 1862. 

Promoted to Commissary Sergeant of Battalion, 

Oct. I, 1864. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862, 

Discharged, Nov. i, 1864. 



COMPANY D. 




John I). I'lRNER. 

Aug 26, 1861. Dec. 13, 1862. 

Discharged, Dec. 13, i852. Disability. 



1863] GETTYSBURG 181 



CHAPTER XVI. 

GETTYSBURG. 

IT is not the purpose of the writer to attempt to give a full 
account of this great contest, the greatest battle that was 
fought during the Rebellion. This has been well done by 
those far more competent, possessing greater ability and with far 
greater resources than he who pens these lines possesses or could 
command, so that he will merely confine himself to the main 
movements so far as they relate to the circumstances that brought 
about the important services rendered by this, one of Pennsyl- 
vania's best Regiments, of which the writer is proud to have been 
one of the humblest of its members, and of the Brigade to which it 
was attached. 

As has been stated, the Brigade remained in camp near Frizel- 
berg, Md., during June 30th, but early on the morning of July 
1st we were again on our way, marching towards Gettysburg 
where the two armies were fast concentrating. Leaving camp 
about 7 o'clock, going back through Uniontown, thence to Taney- 
town, both in Carroll County, Maryland, arriving at the latter 
about 1 1 o'clock, where we halted until near three in the afternoon, 
when ordered to proceed with all haste to Gettysburg. At 5 
o'clock, crossed the line into Pennsylvania, our own favored 
State, still pushing on at a rapid pace ; camped for the night about 
9 o'clock, on the eastern slope of Little Round Top, west of the 
Taneytown Road, about three miles from Gettysburg; having 
marched about eighteen miles. Thus was the first day of that 
fight spent by us, pushing rapidly forward. We could hear the 
distant booming of the artillery, and during the afternoon and 
night, the wounded of Reynolds' and Howard's commands were 
passing us to the rear. About i o'clock, we heard of the death of 
Pennsylvania's noble son and brave soldier. General John F. Rey- 
nolds, and our Corps was deprived of its commander. General 
Hancock, who was sent forward by General Meade to assume 



182 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

command of the First and Eleventh Corps, and so place them as 
to hold the enemy in check until the rest of the army could arrive. 
General Gibbon assumed command of the Corps and General 
Harrow our Division. 

General Lee, in the latter part of June, had invaded Pennsyl- 
vania with the largest, finest and best-equipped army the Confed- 
eracy had ever placed in the field, numbering 100,000 men, divided 
into three Corps. The First, under Lieutenant-General James 
Longstreet, contained the Divisions of McLaws, Pickett and Hood; 
the Second, under Lieutenant-General Robert S. Ewell, contained 
the Divisions of Early, Rodes and Johnson, and the Third, 
under Lieutenant-General A. P. Hill, contained the Divisions of 
Anderson, Heth and Pender, and the Cavalry Corps, consisting of 
eight Brigades under Major-General J. E. B. Stuart, was making 
preparations to move on Harrisburg, with his army in the neigh- 
borhood of Chambersburg and Carlisle and York. Hearing of 
the advance of the Army of the Potomac in his rear, he abandon- 
ed this, and began concentrating his force east of the mountains ; 
Gettysburg being designated as the probable point. Meade was 
also fast pushing his forces forward to overtake him via Man- 
chester, Taneytown and Emmitsburg. Meade intended to con- 
centrate his army at Pipe Creek, fifteen miles southeast of Gettys- 
burg, and there await Lee's attack, but the battle having begun 
at Gettysburg he hurried his troops forward to that point as rapid- 
ly as possible. The First Corps tmder General Reynolds was ad- 
vanced from the southwest via Emmitsburg, followed by the 
Eleventh Corps under General Howard. General Reynolds being 
in the command of the left wing, consisting of the First, Third 
and Eleventh Corps and the First Cavalry Division, turned over 
the command of his Corps to General Doubleday, pushing on 
beyond the town of Gettysburg, found the Cavalry under General 
Buford, engaged with Heth's division of Hill's Corps, that had 
moved from Cashtown, about eight miles, at 5 o'clock that morn- 
ing and engaged Buford a little after sunrise. Buford dismounted 
most of his men and fought them as infantry and held the enemy 
in check for two hours. Wadsworth arrived with his Division 
of the First Corps from Marsh Run, about four miles, about 9 
o'clock ; and at once struck the enemy under Hill advancing from 



1863] GETTYSBURG 183 

Chanibersburg, near Willoughby Run, between the Hagerstown 
and Mummasburg road, forcing back Buford's Cavalry. It was 
about 8.30 A. M when General Reynolds arrived on the field, and 
almost before his advanced troops were in position and became 
engaged, he was instantly killed in the edge of McPherson's 
woods, a little south of the Chambersburg pike. There is much 
diversity of opinion as to the time of his death. Veil, the orderly 
who was with him when he died, writes, "General Reynolds ar- 
rived on the field about 8.30 a. m. — he was killed from a half to 
three-quarters of an hour afterwards". This about agrees with 
Colonel Bean's statement and that of Buford's scout, Mr. Garri- 
son, and fixes the time of his death much earlier than usually 
given, or not later than 9.30 a. m. This is also verified by mem- 
bers of Baxter's Brigade, Robinson's Division, who were the last 
of the First Corps to get into position on the right of the line 
about 9.30 or 9.45 a. m., who state that General Reynolds was 
killed before they took their position. This was a great loss to 
our army. He had risen rapidly to the command of his Corps, 
and was solicited to take command of the army when Hooker 
was relieved, but declined in favor of Meade. He fell defending 
his native state, but left three brothers still fighting for their 
covmtry. General Meade felt his loss keenly and spoke of his 
death as follows, "Reynolds was the noblest as well as the bravest 
gentleman in this army. When he fell at Gettysburg, the army lost 
its right arm", and General Devens in an address, speaking of his 
death, said, "Yet where could man meet better the inevitable 
hour, than in defence of his native state, his life's blood ming- 
ling with the soil on which he first drew breath". Buford's 
Cavalry having withdrawn, the First Corps alone fought the 
Divisions of Heth and Pender, numbering about 15.000 according 
to their own reports. Doubleday says the First Corps took in 
but 8,200 muskets. About ii o'clock General Howard arrived 
in advance of his Corps and learning of the death of General Rey- 
nolds, at once assumed command of the field. It was about i 
o'clock when the Eleventh Corps began to arrive, and about 2 
o'clock when their first division was placed in position on the 
north of the town to the right of the Mummasburg road. Thus 
from early morning until after 2 o'clock, the First Corps alone 



184 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

had nobly resisted the efforts of Hill to force them back, except 
from their position near Willoughby Run, to that east of Semin- 
ary Ridge. The Eleventh Corps, commanded by General Carl 
Schurz, was placed in position on the north of the town, occupy- 
ing- the whole clear space between the Mummasburg road and 
Rock Creek, but. failing to make connections on their left with the 
right of the First Corps, left a gap of which the enemy after- 
wards took advantage. Shortly after 3 o'clock Ewell just ar- 
rived from Heidlersburgh, attacked the Eleventh Corps. Bar- 
low's Division on the right gallantly met the assault and stayed 
it, but was soon overwhelmed by the front assault of Rodes, and 
the flank attack of Early. The left of Schimmelpfinnig's Division 
gave way before the skirmish line of Dole's Georgia Brigade, 
who advanced into the opening now increased between it and the 
right of the First Corps, and this front and flank assault, with 
Early on the other flank, soon sent the whole Eleventh Corps back 
into the town in utmost confusion. In the meantime Hill con- 
tinued to press Doubleday, forcing him back, and part of his 
Corps that came back through the town from the west became 
entangled with the fugitives of the Eleventh Corps coming in 
from the north ; this increased the confusion, and the retreat al- 
most became a rout. Robinson's Division of the First Corps, 
however, fell back across the fields towards the Emmitsburg 
road to Cemetery Ridge, fighting Hill, who was pressing them on 
three sides. 

General Howard had sent word to General Slocum, command- 
ing the Twelfth Corps, which was lying at Two Taverns, about 
five miles away, to come to his assistance, but Slocum declined 
without orders from General Meade. What was left of the two 
Corps were making their way as fast as possible to the position 
held by Steinwehr's Division of the Eleventh Corps, which had 
been held in reserve on Cemetery Hill. 

It was between 3.00 and 3.30 p. m. that General Hancock arrived 
to assume command and in time to witness this disaster. He 
found all chaos and confusion and at once arrested the further 
retreat, promptly made his disposition of the small force at his 
command and presented so bold a front that Lee, w^ho had just 
arrived, called a halt and held a consultation with his subordinates. 



1863] GETTYSBURG 185 

This enabled Hancock to perfect his arrangement and the rest 
of the Army of the Potomac to arrive. And the night of July 
1st closed a victory for the enemy with our lines withdrawn to 
the heights south of Gettysburg, known as Cemetery Hill, ex- 
tending south from the Baltimore pike in a series of heights and 
hills to the Round Tops situated between the Taneytown and 
Emmitsburg roads. Our loss in this day's fight in the First Corps 
was 5.750 out of the 8,200 engaged. Robinson's Division alone, 
which was the last to leave the field, lost 1,667 o^^t of 2,500. That 
of the Eleventh Corps 2,500 and the cavalry 300. total 8,550. 

General Howard reports his loss at 4,000, but as he had only 
7.400 in his Corps and one Division, Steinwehr's, was left in 
reserve, except Coster's Brigade, which was brought forward late 
in the afternoon and engaged for a short time, so that Howard 
could have only taken in about 5,500 muskets, and to claim a 
loss of 4,000 of that number is unreasonable; however, as 1,500 
stragglers were gathered up by the Twelfth Corps, who were, no 
doubt, included in General Howard's estimate, I allow the differ- 
€nce (2,500) as the actual loss, which is even then large, as they 
were not engaged long enough to meet with so heavy loss ; three- 
fifths are those who were taken prisoners. 

The enemy admits a loss of between 7,000 and 8,000, only 
827 of them in front of the Eleventh Corps. They brought into 
the fight over 27,000 men, as follows: Heth, 7,500; Pender, 7,500; 
Rodes, 8,000, and Early, 5,000, while our forces numbered 
Ibut 17,800: Doubleday, 8,200; Howard, 7,400; Buford, 2,200. 

As this appointment of General Hancock was at the time, and 
has since been, the cause of much controversy, and his assuming 
that authority and selecting the ground and posting the troops 
questioned, the writer takes the liberty to give some statements 
bearing upon these facts. 

General Meade, in his testimony before the Committee on the 
•Conduct of the War, says : 

I directed Major General Hancock to proceed without delay to 
the scene of the contest, and I directed him to make an examina- 
tion of the ground in the neighborhood of Gettysburg and to re- 
port to me without loss of time the facilities, and advantages and 
disadvantages of the ground for receiving battle. I furthermore 



186 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [18G3 

instructed him that in case, upon his arrival at Gettj-sburg, he 
should find the position vinsuitable. and the advantage on the side 
of the enemy, he should examine critically as he went out there, 
and report to me the nearest position in the immediate neighbor- 
hood of Gettysburg where a concentration of the army would be 
more advantageous than at Gettysburg. 

General Howard questioned the authority of this appointment 
and is reported by General Doubleday* as saying, upon Hancock's 
arrival and notifying him of his orders : "Why, Hancock, you 
cannot give any orders here ! I am in command, and I rank 
you !", but requested him to remain and assist him in re-organiz- 
ing the troops. But Hancock assumed the command, and as he 
found all chaos and confusion and the troops rapidly falling back, 
he took immediate steps to arrest them, and gave his orders in 
his powerful and inspiring voice that at once made its effects 
felt upon the men, and riding tip to General Doubledav, then com- 
manding the First Corps, he said : "General Doubleday, I com- 
mand this field, and I wish yoti to send a regiment over to that 
hill", pointing to Gulp's Hill. Doubleday also recognizing the 
importance of that prominent position at once sent Wadsworth's 
Division of his Corps and occupied Gulp's Hill, then designated 
by Hancock as "the key of the right flank", and Howard's Corps 
was massed on Cemetery Hill to prevent any further advance of 
the enemy at that point. Hancock was then prepared to hold 
his position until the arrival of the rest of the Army of the Po- 
tomac. So there can be no doubt as to General Hancock select- 
ing and occupying the position where this battle was fought. 
That General Reynolds may have so intended is also shown by 
his directing General Howard to leave one of his Divisions in that 
locality. General Howard also lays claim to having selected 
Cemetery Hill, and strengthens his claim by the fact that he had 
left one of his Divisions in position there. But it is not probable 
that he would have taken the responsibility to leave behind sa 
much of his command without instructions from General Rey- 
nolds. But neither can lay any claim to selecting Gulp's Hill, 
which, if taken possession of by the enemy that night, our posi- 
tion on Cemetery Hill would have been untenable. 

*(Doubleday's Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, page 151.) 



1863] GETTYSBURG 187 

Our army was fast arriving. General Meade was now aware 
of the importance of rapidly concentrating" his whole force at 
Gettysburg, and at once ordered the different corps commanders 
to push on with all speed. The Twelfth Corps, under General 
Slocum, arrived that evening from "Two Taverns", and assisted 
in strengthening the position selected by Hancock. General 
Slocum being the senior officer assumed command and General 
Hancock returned to his Corps, which, under Gibbon, was also 
fast approaching Gettysburg ; after reporting to General Meade 
the strength of the position he had selected, which decided Meade 
to concentrate his army on that ridge. General Slocum placed 
his Corps on the right towards Gulp's Hill as a reserve, with the 
exception of Geary's Division, which he sent to the left towards 
Little Round Top. The Third Corps, under General Sickles, 
w^ith the exception of Humphreys' Division, was the next to ar- 
rive from Emmitsburg and took position on the left center. The 
march of Humphreys' Division being interrupted by the enemy 
obtaining possession of the Emmitsburg road, was compelled to 
move back and join the Corps by another route, arriving after 
daylight. At 9 o'clock at night the Second Corps arrived from 
Taneytown and bivouacked for the night on the eastern slope 
of Little Round Top, between it and the Taneytown road. The 
Fifth Corps, under General Sykes, came by way of Hanover and 
did not arrive upon the field until about i o'clock of July 2d, and 
it was after 2 o'clock when the Sixth Corps, commanded by 
General Sedgwick, arrived from Manchester. 

At 3 o'clock on the morning of July 2d we were awakened with 
orders to get ready to move at once. At daylight we left camp 
and after a march of two miles our Brigade was massed in a field 
on the right of the Taneytown road and addressed by General 
Webb. He had been with us but three days ; the men knew noth- 
ing of him, and their experience at the Monocacy Creek had the 
effect to make him unpopular; but that short address in which 
he told them that they would now be called upon to defend their 
own state by hard fighting, that it would require each man to do 
his full duty to defeat the elated enemy, and appealed to each to 
cheerfully do his duty, and then told them that any one found 
shirking it in the slightest degree w^ould be severely dealt with, 



188 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [1863 

that he would shoot any one leaving the line, and called on any 
man to do the same to him if he failed in his duty, told them that 
they had a commander that would not fail in his duty nor allow 
the men to fail in theirs ; and when the fight was over they knew 
that he had proved himself to be all they could expect — one of the 
bravest officers of the Army- 

At 6 o'clock our Division, now commanded by General Gibbon 
— as General Hancock had resumed command of the Corps — 
was put in position on Granite Ridge, as it was then called, now 
known as East Cemetery Ridge, on the left of the Third Division 
of our Corps, commanded by General Alexander Hays, with the 
First Division, under General Caldwell, on our left. Our Bri- 
gade was placed on the right of the Division, the Third Brigade 
under Hall, on our left, and the First Brigade under Harrow, in 
reserve. Cushing's Battery, Fourth U. S. Artillery was on our 
right, and Battery B, First Rhode Island, commanded by Lieuten- 
ant Brown, on our left : the Sixty-Ninth Regiment was advanced 
over the crest of the hill to a fence, or low stone-wall, about fifty 
yards in front of the Battery, and the other Regiments back under 
cover of the hill. The One Flundred and Sixth Regiment, com- 
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel William L. Curry, was in reserve 
as above stated, under cover of the hill, and Companies A and 
B were detailed as skirmishers, and were advanced beyond the 
Emmitsburg road — Company A deployed and Company B in 
reserve. 

During the morning General Meade rode up to our position and 
in conversation desired to know the position and strength of the 
enemy in our front. General Webb quickly volunteered to advance 
his Brigade and ascertain ; this General Meade refused, as the 
movement of so large a force might bring on an engagement, for 
which he was not fully prepared, and directed him to send that 
company, indicating the company in reserve, on the picket line. 
General Webb sent word to Captain John J. Sperry of Company 
A. commanding the Brigade picket line, to advance the Company, 
then Iving in reserve, on the picket line west of the Emmitsburg 
road, and uncover the enemy. This was Company B of the 
One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain 
James C. Lvnch. He advancing due west, crossed two fields, 



1863] GETTYSBURG 189 

a sunken road, and into the third, a triangular field with a wood 
extending on the south side. In this wood he met the enemy in 
force, then gradually withdrew back within our picket line, and 
reported to General Webb. 

In the meantime the Third Corps, under Sickles, was moved 
into position on the left of our Corps, to occupy the ground be- 
tween us and Round Top and prolong our line. Finding this 
ground much lower and affording an opportunity for the enemy 
to occupy a crest at the Emmitsburg road and command his posi- 
tion, General Sickles, on his own responsibility, advanced his 
Corps down to the Emmitsburg road, and retired his left until it 
reached the foot of Little Round Top; thus, as he thought, ful- 
filling General Meade's orders to join Hancock's left and let his 
left extend to Round Top. This was beyond doubt a grave error, 
as the subsequent events proved, and especially was it an error 
to form his lines at right angles, so that the enemy advancing 
from either direction would enfilade his line, and a battery firing 
upon the front of either line would rake the flank of the other. 

The movement of this Corps into their position was a beauti- 
ful sight to those upon the crest of Cemetery Ridge. The writer 
was in such a position as to have a fine view, and never will he 
forget the grandeur of that movement and the fierce conflict that 
subsequently followed. Before these troops were in position the 
enemy were advancing to attack them. General Birney directed 
one of his batteries to open upon their moving column ; this was 
immediately replied to by their battery on the extreme left, and 
the battle ma}' be said to have commenced, for as each battery 
opened it imcovered another on the opposite side, and so on until 
nearly two hundred and sixty pieces were belching forth their 
storm of shot and shell, making the earth fairly tremble with their 
thunder and roar, their deadly missiles flying and exploding in 
every direction, being principally directed upon Sickles' lines. 
Their infantry then swept down upon Sickles' forces, especially 
against his left, his whole line fighting in open fields without any 
defences, contesting with a valor that was unsurpassed, yet forced 
to yield. Line after line was crushed by the flank and direct 
assault ; rallying again in the new position, and in turn assaulting 
the enemy, only to be again repulsed, until finally driven from the 



188 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

that he would shoot any one leaving the line, and called on any 
man to do the same to him if he failed in his duty, told them that 
they had a commander that would not fail in his duty nor allow 
the men to fail in theirs ; and when the fight was over they knew 
that he had proved himself to be all they could expect — one of the 
bravest officers of the Army. 

At 6 o'clock our Division, now commanded by General Gibbon 
— as General Hancock had resumed command of the Corps — 
was put in position on Granite Ridge, as it was then called, now 
known as East Cemetery Ridge, on the left of the Third Division 
of our Corps, commanded by General Alexander Hays, with the 
First Division, under General Caldwell, on our left. Our Bri- 
gade was placed on the right of the Division, the Third Brigade 
under Hall, on our left, and the First Brigade under Harrow, in 
reserve. Cushing's Battery, Fourth U. S. Artillery was on our 
right, and Battery B, First Rhode Lsland, commanded by Lieuten- 
ant Brown, on our left ; the Sixty-Ninth Regiment was advanced 
over the crest of the hill to a fence, or low stone-wall, about fifty 
yards in front of the Battery, and the other Regiments back under 
cover of the hill. The One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, com- 
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel William L. Curry, was in reserve 
as above stated, under cover of the hill, and Companies A and 
B were detailed as skirmishers, and were advanced beyond the 
Emmitsburg road — Company A deployed and Company B in 
reserve. 

During the morning General Meade rode up to our position and 
in conversation desired to know the position and strength of the 
enemy in our front. General Webb quickly volunteered to advance 
his Brigade and ascertain ; this General Meade refused, as the 
movement of so large a force might bring on an engagement, for 
which he was not fully prepared, and directed him to send that 
company, indicating the company in reserve, on the picket line. 
General Webb sent word to Captain John J. Sperry of Company 
A. commanding the Brigade picket line, to advance the Company, 
then lying in reserve, on the picket line west of the Emmitsburg 
road, and uncover the enemy. This was Company ?> of the 
One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain 
James C. Lvnch. He advancing due west, crossed two fields, 



1863] GETTYSBURG 189 

a sunken road, and into the third, a triangular field with a wood 
extending on the south side. In this wood he met the enemy in 
force, then gradually withdrew back within our picket line, and 
reported to General Webb. 

In the meantime the Third Corps, under Sickles, was moved 
into position on the left of our Corps, to occupy the ground be- 
tween us and Round Top and prolong our line. Finding this 
ground much lower and affording an opportunity for the enemy 
to occup}^ a crest at the Emmitsburg road and command his posi- 
tion. General Sickles, on his own responsibility, advanced his 
Corps down to the Emmitsburg road, and retired his left until it 
reached the foot of Little Round Top ; thus, as he thought, ful- 
filling General Meade's orders to join Hancock's left and let his 
left extend to Round Top. This was beyond doubt a grave error, 
as the subsequent events proved, and especially was it an error 
to form his lines at right angles, so that the enemy advancing 
from either direction would enfilade his line, and a battery firing 
upon the front of either line would rake the flank of the other. 

The movement of this Corps into their position was a beauti- 
ful sight to those upon the crest of Cemetery Ridge. The writer 
was in such a position as to have a fine view, and never will he 
forget the grandeur of that movement and the fierce conflict that 
subsequently followed. Before these troops were in position the 
enemy were advancing to attack them. General Birney directed 
one of his batteries to open upon their moving column ; this was 
immediately replied to by their battery on the extreme left, and 
the battle may be said to have commenced, for as each battery 
opened it uncovered another on the opposite side, and so on until 
nearly two hundred and sixty pieces were belching forth their 
storm of shot and shell, making the earth fairly tremble with their 
thunder and roar, their deadly missiles flying and exploding in 
every direction, being principally directed upon Sickles' lines. 
Their infantry then swept down upon Sickles' forces, especially 
against his left, his whole line fighting in open fields without any 
defences, contesting with a valor that was unsurpassed, yet forced 
to yield. Line after line was crushed by the flank and direct 
assault ; rallying again in the new position, and in turn assaulting 
the enemy, only to be again repulsed, until finally driven from the 



190 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

centre position. The contest sweeping around until reaching 
the foot of Little Round Top, contesting for the possession of that 
hill, each side at different times gaining and losing ground, be- 
ginning at Sherfy's peach orchard, on the Emmitsburg road, back 
through the wheatfield into that place now so well known as 
Devil's Den, the enemy advancing to the foot of Little Round Top, 
then around its left between it and Big Round Top, where they 
were beaten back by Vincent's Brigade that was detached by 
General Warren from Barnes' Division of Sykes' Corps, while on 
its way to support Sickles, and had just been placed in position 
on Little Round Top. Caldwell's Division of our Corps that was 
sent to support Birney's left, became heavily engaged ; at first 
driving the enemy back through the wheatfield and into the woods 
beyond, then were forced back again over that wheatfield, until a 
charge of Crawford's Division of Pennsylvania Reserves finally 
drove the enemy back and ended the contest there. Humphreys' 
Division, Sickles' right, was likewise beaten back from their posi- 
tion on the Emmitsburg road. This took the support from our 
left, and the Second Division of the First Corps, under General 
Doubleday, was ordered forward. 

In the meantime the Eighty-Second New York and the Fifteenth 
Massachusetts, of our Division, were advanced to the Emmits- 
burg road, to occupy the position vacated by Humphreys, and 
Brown's Battery, from the left of our Brigade, was advanced to a 
position in front of the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania to cover Sickles' 
right flank. 

As the enemy under Hill was threatening our front, Posey's 
Mississippi Brigade had been advanced to the Bliss House, aclfittle 
to the right of our Brigade skirmish line, west of the Emmits- 
burg road, and had dislodged the First Delaware Regiment that 
had been occupying it ; this Regiment fell back with the exception 
of one company commanded by Captain Sparks, who contested 
for that ground but was finally compelled to give way, thus ex- 
posing the right flank of our line of skirmishers, being Company 
A of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, commanded by 
Lieutenant Schwartz, as Captain Sperry was in command of the 
Brigade skirmishers. Lieutenant Schwartz and Lieutenant Casey 
were both wounded and the company was falling back. Captain 




BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES C. LYNCH. 

Aug. 17, 1861. June 21, 1864. 

As Second Lieutenant, Company A. 

Promoted to First Lieutenant, Jan. 31, 1862. 

Promoted to Captain, Company B, Jan. 4. 1863. 

Promoted to Colonel, 183d Reg., Pa. Vols., June 21, 1864. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 

Wounded at Bristoe Station, Va., Oct. 14, 1863. 



1863] GETTYSBURG 191 

Lynch left his company, which was in reserve, and went forward 
to ascertain the cause of the Hne giving way, and finding the 
enemy in possession of the house and pouring a flank fire upon our 
Hne of skirmishers reported to Captain Sperry that the BHss 
House would have to be retaken or our line retired, who directed 
him to take his company and retake the house. Captain Lynch, 
thinking there was but a small force, advanced with his company 
only to find the whole Sixteenth Mississippi Regiment there, who 
allowed him to advance very close to them and then demanded 
his surrender ; being refused they opened on him and drove him 
back with a loss of Lieutenant Smith and eleven men. Taking 
up his position behind the fence he sent back for reinforcements, 
and General Hays, in whose front the house was located, seeing 
the efiforts made to retake the house, sent four companies of the 
Twelfth New Jersey of his Division, and when they arrived 
Captain Lynch advanced with them, and together they captured 
the house and barn and over one hundred prisoners of the Sixteenth 
Mississippi Regiment. This was a very important movement, 
as it checked the advance of Posey's Brigade, which advance was 
to be the signal for the troops on his left to advance. Captain 
Lynch then returned with his company to the Brigade skirmish 
line, and became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers in his front. 
Soon after both companies having expended all their ammunition 
sent back for a fresh supply, but was informed by General Webb 
that the line would soon be relieved, so it was not necessary to 
send out any ammunition. It was at this time that Wright's 
Georgia Brigade prolonging the line with Wilcox's Brigade, of 
Anderson's Division, that had driven Humphreys back, broke 
through our line, charged past the guns of Brown's Rhode Island 
Battery, that had been advanced to a position in front of that held 
by the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, and almost reached the line held 
by that regiment and Hall's Third Brigade, who were pouring 
volley after volley into them as they advanced. General Han- 
cock, riding up and seeing the necessity of immediate action, 
orders forward the Seventy-Second and One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania Regiments. Colonel Curry with the One Hundred 
and Sixth advanced to the crest of the hill and finding the enemy 
within sixty yards he opened fire, and after several volleys, seeing 



192 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1863 

the enemy waver, he ordered a charge, and with a cheer the One 
Hundred and Sixth rushed over the fence upon the enemy, cap- 
turing about twenty prisoners, sent them to the rear, and continu- 
ing drove the rest back beyond the Emmitsburg road, recapturing 
the guns of Brown's Battery, which they had attempted to turn 
on our Brigade ; these Colonel Curry sent to the rear by hand. 
It was at this time that Companies A and B were going to the rear 
for ammunition and passed the Regiment at these guns. Just 
previous to the charge of Wright, about twenty men of our Regi- 
ment under Corporal Chas. A. Rubright of Company F, were 
sent forward by General Webb as pioneers to cut down some 
small trees that grew around a large hole or deep indentation in the 
ground, and masked the fire of our men. They had not completed 
their work, when Wright's men came upon them and made them 
prisoners, but the charge of the Regiment prevented them taking 
them away, and our men turned on their captors and made them 
prisoners, but not without resistance, which compelled them to 
kill some of them with their axes, and they brought in the rest 
as their prisoners. The Seventy-Second, instead of advancing 
with the One Hundred and Sixth, moved down the line to the 
left towards Round Top, parallel with the Emmitsburg road, 
and finding the enemy had retired, they returned to their position 
with the Brigade. Alluding to this charge General Doubleday 
says : 

But Wright actually reached the crest with his Georgians and 
turned a gun, whose cannoneers had been shot, upon Webb's Bri- 
gade of the Second Corps. Webb gave them two staggering 
volleys from behind a fence, and went forward with two regiments. 
He charged, regained the lost piece and turned it upon them. 

The only difference being that there were three guns of the 
battery, and they were sent to the rear at once, and while two regi- 
ments went forward "but one regiment", the One Hundred and 
Sixth Pennsylvania, was the only regiment that charged Wright's 
Brigade and drove them back beyond the Emmitsburg road, as 
the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania's advance was to the left, to- 
wards Sickles' left, and not towards the Emmitsburg road. 

Had Posey's Brigade not been checked at the Bliss House, he 
would have been supporting Wright ; this would have advanced 



1S63J • GETTYSBURG 193 

Pender's Division, and they might not have been so easily re- 
pulsed, so the importance of Captain Lynch's Company charging 
the Bliss House can now be appreciated ; had he not done so, the 
Twelfth New Jersey would not have been sent out there, and 
Posey would have continued his advance, followed by Pender 
and enveloped the whole of Hays' front. 

When the One Hundred and Sixth neared the Emmitsburg road 
they found a large force in rear of a large frame barn and brick 
house known as the "Codori House", from which an officer 
soon appeared, waving a handkerchief as a flag of truce. Captain 
Ford, of Company I, called Colonel Curry's attention to it ; and 
he directed him to take his company to meet it. The Captain 
faced his company to the right and, marching by the flank with an 
old newspaper fixed on the bayonet of one of his men, advanced 
to the house and was met by Captain Snead, of the Forty-Eighth 
Georgia Regiment of Wright's Brigade, who informed him that 
their commanding officer. Colonel William Gibson, was danger- 
ously wounded and would die for want of attention ; and they 
desired to have him brought within our lines for treatment ; that 
nearly the whole regiment stood by him. Captain Ford informed 
him they would be glad to give the Colonel the attention he re- 
quired, and demanded their instant surrender ; and requested the 
officers to give up their swords. This Captain Snead very much 
objected to do, and wished to be allowed to return with his men 
to their lines ; saying they only wanted to have their Colonel 
attended to, and ought not to be made prisoners. Captain Ford 
insisted upon immediate compliance with his request and received 
from the officers their swords, and sent them and all the men, 
over two hundred, to the rear, as prisoners of war ; and came back 
with both arms full of their swords, which he turned over to 
Colonel Curry, there being, besides the Colonel, five Captains, 
fifteen Lieutenants and about two hundred and fifty men. The 
Regiment had continued their advance into the Emmitsburg road, 
and Lieutenant Rose, of Company H, with some men, crossed 
the road and took possession of four Parrott guns abandoned by 
the enemy, but, having no way of bringing them off the field, was 
compelled to leave them. Colonel Curry, finding himself far in 
advance of our line with no support on his left, and but a remnant 



194 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH- REGIMENT [1863 

of the Eighty-Second New York on his right, returned to his posi- 
tion with the Brigade. General Webb was informed of the con- 
dition of Colonel Gibson, and he had him sent by ambulance to 
our hospital for treatment, which he subsequently received at the 
hands of Surgeon Dwindle of the One Hundred and Sixth Penn- 
sylvania. Colonel Gibson was a prominent laywer of Augusta, 
Georgia, and when nearly recovered from his wounds, escaped 
from our hospital and got outside our lines, but was subsequently 
recaptured before he reached their lines, and brought back. He 
wrote the following letter to Captain Ford while at the hospital : 

Hospital Camp, 2d Army Corps. 
July 30th, 1863. 
Captain R. H. Ford : 

Dear Captain : — I had hoped to meet you again to express to 
you my thanks for the kindness and attention shown me by you 
on the 2d inst., yet circumstances have prevented, and I regret to 
learn that on the next day you were wounded, yet I am much 
gratified to know you are fast recovering, and hope you will soon 
I)e fully restored to health. 

I now think I shall recover myself, and trust that peace may be 
soon restored to our unhappy people, and that I may have an op- 
portunity of expressing my thanks to you in a manner more agree- 
able and pleasant to us both. Dr. Dwindle has done all for me 
that I could wish, and his kindness to me will never be forgotten. 
He has the will and the sense to do his whole duty to his fellow- 
man, and is an upright, just and honorable gentleman. Hoping 
to meet soon again, and as friends and brothers would meet, 

I am, Captain, very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, 
(Signed) Wm. Gibson, 

Colonel 48th Georgia Regiment, Augusta, Ga. 

A large number of officers and men were also found in the cellar 
of Codori's large barn that had been destroyed by our artillery fire, 
and they were also made prisoners. Among them was Colonel 
B. D. Fry, (afterward General) of the Thirteenth Alabama Regi- 
ment, and his sword was received by Captain John W. Lynch of 
Company C, who, after the war, returned it to the General's 
family, and received a very complimentary letter from J. W. 
Johnson, the Governor of the State, dated February 18, 1889, 
also the following letter from the nephew of General Fry : 



1S63] GETTYSBURG 195 

Montgomery, Ala., March 6th, 1899. 
Capt. Jno. W. Lynch. Philadelphia, Pa. 

My Dear Sir: — Your kind favor of the 4th inst., with en- 
closure, is duly to-hand, and I will at once deliver your letter to 
Mrs. Bibb. 

I beg to thank you, in the name of all the relatives of General 
Fry, as well as in my own name, for this graceful act, and to 
further say that we of the younger generation of the South know 
but one country, and honor the brave men of the North, who up- 
held the flag in the time of great peril, and realize now, that it 
is better that we should be one and united, rather than two 
separate and different governments. Both sides fought for what 
they deemed to be right, and each were justified in their action. 

I cannot believe that the South would ever have taken the posi- 
tion, industrially, that she holds to-day, but for the war, and I 
feel that her position is far in advance of her condition under the 
old regime, or that she could ever have been more than an agri- 
cultural country under the old system. 

Again thanking you for your very great courtesy, and trusting 
that should you ever visit this section you will favor me with a 
call, I am Yours most sincerely, 

Wm. H. Micou. 

It was General Lee's intention that both flanks of our army 
should be attacked at the same time. The sound of Longstreet's 
guns was to be the signal for Ewell to attack, but Ewell did not 
hear the firing of Longstreet until after five o'clock, when he 
opened with his artillery from Benner's Hill upon our lines on 
East Cemetery and Gulp's Hills soon after. Early advanced on 
East Gemetery Hill and a gallant charge of the famous Louisiana 
Tigers drove Howard's men from their position, and captured 
Weidrick's New York Battery, and engaged in a hand-to-hand 
contest for Rickett's guns, still further to the right, and almost 
gained possession of the hill, when Garroll's Brigade of our 
Gorps, sent by General Hancock to reinforce Howard, arrived, 
drove them from the hill, and recaptured the lost guns. About 
the same time Johnson's Division was advanced upon our position 
on Gulp's Hill, and by persistent force drove back our men. 
weakened by the withdrawal of Geary's Division, that had been 
sent to help Sickles at Round Top, so Johnson had no difficulty 
in occupying that line of works, but darkness prevented his 
further advance. 



196 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1863 

Colonel Curry, with his command, was no sooner in position 
with the Brigade than he was called upon for a detail for picket, 
to take the place vacated by Companies A and B. About sixty 
men from the different companies, under Captain Ford of Com- 
pany I and Lieutenant Irvin of Company D, were sent out with 
two companies from the Seventy-Second, and two companies from 
the Sixty-Ninth Regiments, to picket the Brigade front. It was 
I'ust before dark that Colonel Curry was ordered to move over 
to the right and report to General Howard commanding the 
Eleventh Corps, who had sent an urgent request for the One 
Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, of his old Brigade, to support 
his batteries ; and the Regiment immediately moved off to the 
right, and arrived just as Carroll's Brigade, that had also been 
sent to reinforce Howard, had successfully charged the enemy 
and drove them from the hill, and the One Hundred and Sixth 
was placed in position supporting the artillery on Cemetery Hill. 
General Howard remarked, that it was one of the regiments of 
his old Brigade, and, turning to Major Osborne, of his staff. 
Chief of Artillery, said, "Major, your batteries may be withdrawn 
when that regiment runs away". 

The Seventy-First Regiment was also detached from the Bri- 
gade and sent to the relief of General Greene's Brigade of Geary's 
Division, of the Twelfth Corps, on Gulp's Hill, but in moving 
over in the darkness, got too far to the right, on account of part 
of Geary's Division being withdrawn and sent over to Round Top, 
and ran into Johnson's men, then occupying Geary's works, came 
near being all captured; and did lose Adjutant Hutchinson, and 
Lieutenants Davis and Boughton, and about twenty men ; so that 
Colonel Smith took the responsibility, and returned with his com- 
mand to their position with the Brigade, where he arrived before 
daylight. 

The morning of the 3d of July the Sixty-Ninth Regiment was 
still in the same position it held on the 2d — at the fence in front 
of the clump of trees where Cushing's Battery was stationed, and 
the Seventy-First Regiment was advanced to the same position, 
on the right of the Sixty-Ninth, its left wing on the same line 
with it and the right wing retired about fifty yards behind a stone- 
wall, extending the line to the right, where its right joined the 



1863] GETTYSBURG 197 

Third Division of our Corps, under General Alexander Hays, and 
the Seventy-Second Regiment was held in reserve. 

The battle of the 3d began by our artillery about four o'clock, 
opening up on the position gained by the enemy under Johnson, 
on Gulp's Hill late in the evening of the 2d ; when he succeeded in 
taking possession of the works vacated just before dark, by Kane 
and Gandy's Brigades of Geary's Division ; the latter sent to sup- 
port Sykes at Little Round Top, and the former to reinforce the 
left of Gulp's Hill. Johnson's Division occupied the works, and 
for over three hours there was a continual roar of artillery, in- 
termingled with volley after volley of musketry as charge after 
charge was made to force Johnson back, and his men trying to 
advance his line, about 9 o'clock, when Geary's Division by a 
determined and combined charge, succeeded in dislodging John- 
son, and our line at that point was then re-established, but at a 
fearful cost. The severity of that contest was fully attested by 
the large number of trees torn and shattered by shot and shell, 
and some literally cut to pieces by minie balls. 

After the contest ceased there was a pause for several hours ; 
almost the entire force of both armies seemed to have been sur- 
feited for a time by the roar of artillery and musketry, and now 
sought rest ; which was only broken by the single shot of the 
sharpshooters or from the skirmish line, while their commanders 
were planning and strengthening their positions. About i o'clock 
a single shot was fired from their artillery far in the rear, on the 
left of Seminary Hill, about three miles distant, and that shot, 
which was from a Whitworth gun, of the Washington Artillery, 
came tearing over near where our Brigade lay. In a few minutes 
single shots were fired from different points of their line ; these 
were evidently signal guns that told the Ghiefs of Artillery to 
open fire with every piece they could bring to bear upon the center 
of Meade's line, for in a few minutes there burst forth from along 
their whole line the most terrific cannonading ever witnessed ; one 
hundred and forty pieces were belching forth their sheets of flame, 
sending their missiles into every part of our line. Lee from his 
position on Seminary Ridge was able to use one hundred and 
forty guns, while Meade from his shorter line was only able to 
use ninetv, thus two hundred and thirtv guns were soon engaged 



198 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1863 

in the most terrific artillery duel ever witnessed, every form and 
size of shot and shell, known and in use, were screaming and 
whistling through the air, dealing death and destruction in every 
direction, dismounting our guns, exploding our caissons, killing and 
mangling horses and men. As this terrible fire was principally 
concentrated upon the position held by the Second Corps, their 
shot and shell fell thick and fast all around our Brigade, dealing 
death and destruction on all sides, our batteries manfully reply- 
ing under that terrible fire, until every ofificer and man of both 
batteries was either killed or wounded, their guns disabled and 
both batteries silenced, except one gun of Cushing's battery, who, 
though wounded, cooly turned to General Webb and said : 
"If you can give me some men to carry ammunition. I can 
still use these guns". A detachment of the Seventy-First Regi- 
ment promptly volunteered, and though badly wounded himself, 
Gushing still directed its fire. After two hours of that terrible 
cannonading. General Henry J. Hunt, the Chief of Meade's Artil- 
lery ordered a cessation of fire as he said "in order to see what 
the enemy was going to do", and at the same time to replenish 
his ammunition and replace his disabled batteries. 

General Webb sent his Assistant Adjutant General. Captain 
Banes, of the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, after two more bat- 
teries to replace those now completely disabled, and soon 
Wheeler's Thirteenth New York Battery of the Eleventh Corps 
came swiftly into position and was soon followed by Captain 
Cowan's First New York Battery of the Sixth Corps, and none 
too soon, for their infantry was seen emerging from the wood on 
the other side of the Emmitsburg road ; column after column ap- 
pearing, quickly forming and steadily advancing. Now our boys 
knew their time had come. For nearly two hours the artillery had 
been thundering forth their storm of shot and shell, making the 
ground fairly tremble and quake beneath that terrible fire : and 
the infantry, powerless, were compelled to remain inactive, rest- 
ing on their arms, knowing full well that a terrible assault would 
soon be made, and would have to be met and stayed by them. 
Steadily the enemy's lines advanced as calmly and coolly as 
though on parade, quickly closing the gaps made in their ranks 
by our artillery. It was then that the grandest spectacle, the most 



1863] GErTYSBURCr 199 

imposing and gallant charge of the war was to be seen, Pickett's 
Division of noble Virginians were to make the final effort of the 
Confederate commander to pierce our line. No one who witness- 
ed that grand charge of Pickett's Division will ever forget the 
grandeur of that sight, and the steadiness of the men. 

Companies A and B, of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania, having replenished their ammunition on the night previous, 
returned to find the Regiment gone, and expecting them to soon 
return they remained with the Brigade, and on the morning of 
the 3d, Captain Lynch, by order of General Webb, was placed in 
command of the Brigade skirmish line, consisting of the detail 
of the One Hundred and Sixth under Captain Ford, sent out the 
night before, and the two companies of the Sixty-Ninth and 
Seventy-Second Regiments, leaving Captain Sperry in command 
of Companies A and B. x\s the eneni}- was seen advancing, Cap- 
tain Lynch received orders from General Webb "to hold on as 
long as he could", so as soon as their advance struck his line he 
opened fire, and as they closed on him. he slowly retreating, load- 
ing and firing, contesting each foot of ground ; this was well done 
and their bravery, witnessed by their comrades on the heights 
in the rear, seemed to inspire all to nobler deeds. Captain Lynch 
held his men well in hand, and by the directness of their fire, in 
a measure, checked Garnett's advance and compelled him to halt 
his command and commence loading and firing, no doubt thinking 
he had struck our first line ; this was only temporary, but it 
broke the impetus of their charge ; then on they came, that grand 
division of nearly eighteen thousand men formed in three lines, 
our shot and shell making terrible gaps through their lines, but 
as their comrades fell they quickly closed up and the lines con- 
tinued solidly advancing. Our skirmishers having recrossed the 
Emmitsburg road were now quickly withdrawn, and the Brigade 
opened fire, pouring their volleys thick and fast, and Wheeler 
and Cowan welcoming them with double-shotted canister. Cush- 
ing's one gun, at his request, had been run down to the line along 
the fence where the Sixty-Ninth* was in position, and still manned 
by the members of the Seventy-First Pennsylvania and directed 
by the brave Gushing, who though mortally wounded, assisted 
Wheeler and Cowan with canister; and turning to General Webb 



200 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

said : "Webb, I will give them one more shot. Good bye", and 
fell dead at his piece. Yet on they came ; soon Armistead with 
his brigade is up to the fence, and his ringing command is heard : 
"Boys, give them the cold steel". And over the fence they come, 
through the opening where Cushing's gun was in position, into the 
ranks of the Sixty-Ninth and the left wing of the Seventy-First 
Regiments, many of whom still refused to yield, and a terrible 
hand-to-hand conflict ensued ; but leaping the fence, and led by 
the brave Armistead, with his hat on his sword, were forcing 
their way up to the crest. Webb was now sorely pressed, his first 
line passed, his Brigade almost disappeared ; he had directed their 
fire, but, though well delivered, did not keep back those steadily 
advancing columns. He ordered a charge ; the Seventy-First 
was too far to the right to reach, but were doing good service by 
a flanking fire ; those of the Sixty-Ninth that were not killed or 
wounded, or in the hands of the enemy, had fallen back into the 
lines of the Seventy-Second, and many joined the detachment of 
the One Hundred and Sixth, under Captain Sperry. Webb turn- 
ed to his remaining regiment, the Seventy-Second, and Captain 
Lynch spoke up and said, "General, the One Hundred and Sixth 
is with you", and with those of the Sixty-Ninth that had joined 
them. Captain Sperry advanced, passing the left of the Seventy- 
Second, now inspired by the personal gallantry of General Webb, 
who, with sword in hand, called upon them to follow him, and they 
rushed upon the enemy now advancing towards the crest ; from 
the right, came the Seventy-First, from the front, the Seventy- 
Second, and from the left the battalion of the One Hundred and 
Sixth, together, driving them back over the fence. At the same 
time Colonel Hall, commanding the Third Brigade, came to 
Webb's relief, with his command, and part of the First Brigade ; 
and Colonel Stannard, commanding the "Vermont Brigade", the 
Third of the Third Division of the First Corps still further on our 
left, advanced two of his regiments on their flanks, and poured 
into them terrific volleys, as Webb pressed forward. Seeing 
them waver, Webb cried out "Boys, the enemy is ours", and like 
an avalanche, our boys fell upon them, in front and on the flank, 
driving them back in utmost confusion. Hundreds of those brave 
men and color after color went down under that fierce assault 



1863] GETTYSBURG 201 

on front and flank, our men passing over them in their determina- 
tion to drive the enemy from the field. No effort was made to 
keep any formation, but each man fighting for himself, clubbing 
Tiis musket, using his bayonet, until the fence was passed ; 
while the enemy, with their leaders killed, or badly wounded, had 
no one to give command, and those within our lines surrendered 
to Webb, the rest flying to the rear in complete disorder, leaving 
three-fourths of their number, killed, wounded, or prisoners in 
our hands. The battle was over, and our line, so nearly pierced, 
was again intact, and crowned with victory, having repulsed one 
of the grandest charges ever made by either army. And of 
Pickett's Division, not one in four came out of that fight ; of his 
three Brigade commanders. Garnett was killed, Armistead and 
Kemper mortally wounded. The total loss of the enemy in that 
charge is estimated at sixteen thousand, while our loss was not 
one-fifth of that number. 

While Pickett was making that famous charge, Stuart with 
his cavalry attempted to pass around our right flank and had 
occupied a position on an elevated ground that gave him a fine 
view of all the roads leading to the rear of our army. His force 
numbered about 7,000 men and Gregg had with his division and 
Custer's Brigade altogether numbering about 5,000 men to op- 
pose him, and as Stuart advanced, Gregg sent Mcintosh's Bri- 
gade to meet him, and they checked his advance, but Stuart, de- 
termined to break through our line, orders a charge of Hampton's 
and Fitz Hugh Lee's Brigades, and Gregg sends Custer's Brigade 
to the assistance of Mcintosh and there was seen the fiercest 
cavalry charge and the hottest contested cavalry fight of the war ; 
they met and sabres flashed as blow followed blow from each 
side, down went horses and men, soon Stuart was compelled to 
give way, and our men drove them from the field. Both sides 
suffered heavy loss. 

The result of the battle was a sad blow to General Lee ; speak- 
ing of it that night to General Imboden he said, "Yes it has been a 
sad, sad day to us", and of Pickett's charge said, 'T never saw 
troops behave more magnificently than Pickett's Division of 
Virginians, and if they had been supported as they were to have 
been, but for some reasons not yet fully explained, they were not. 



202 THE ONE HUNDRED JA'D SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

we would have held the position they so (gloriously won at such 
fearful loss of noble lives, and the day would have been ours. Too 
bad, too bad. Oh ! too bad". 

General Longstreet describes Pickett's charge as follows : 
"Pickett's Division swept past our artillery in splendid style, and 
the men marched steadily and compactly down the slope. As they 
started up the ridge over one hundred guns from the Federal 
breastworks hurled a rain of canister, grape and shell down 
upon them ; still they press on, until half way up the slope, when 
the crest of the hill was lit with a solid sheet of flame as the 
masses of infantry rose and fired. When the smoke cleared away, 
Pickett's Division was gone, nearly two-thirds of his men were 
dead upon the field." 

I wish now to correct a mis-statement by General Doubleday. 
He says : "Then came a splendid charge of two regiments, led by 
Colonel Hall, which passed completely through Webb's line and 
engaged the enemy in a hand-to-hand conflict." At no time was 
Webb's line passed over, or through, by any of our troops, from the 
time his command was placed in that position by that clump of 
trees, against which the flower of the rebel army was thrown, until 
withdrawn, two days after the battle. Webb yielded his position to 
no one, though the enemy advanced over his first line, yet the crest 
and that clump of trees, which Longstreet said was their objective 
point, and pointed out to each of their commanders, were not 
taken, and zvith his ozvn Brigade, Webb cleared his own front, 
though ably assisted by the brave troops on his right and left, who 
did noble service from their positions ; and while that splendid 
charge of those "two regiments" may have been made, it certain- 
ly was not made "through Webb's line". And General Hancock, 
himself, said, when speaking at a banquet on this battle recently, 
that "in every battle there must be one point on which every side 
must hinge ; it was General Webb's good fortune to be posted 
at that point, and he held it". 

Prof. Jacobs, speaking of this charge, says: 

Seeing them waver. General Webb cried out : "Boys, the enemy 
is ours", and his Brigade rushed upon them and captured 800 
prisoners. Stannard's Brigade took as many more, and still others 
were captured, swelling the number of prisoners to 3.500. Fifteen 





•-^ ^. 



'J^^-^-^ 





1863] GETTYSBURG 203 

stands of colors were taken ; so sudden and complete was the 
slaughter and capture of nearly all of Pickett's men, that one of his 
officers, who fell wounded amongst the first on the Emmitsburg 
road, said : "The whole Division had disappeared as if blown away 
by the wind". In this charge Generals Hancock and Gibbon were 
wounded, and Kemper and Armistead of the rebels, and Garnett 
killed. 

A rebel general officer, in his account of this battle, writes : 

They reached the guns of Gibbon's Division, and in their en- 
deavor to capture them, were literally blown in fragments from 
their muzzles, but they still pressed forward over the rifle-pits and 
into the works, while from the front, the right and the left, every 
Federal gun that would reach them was turned upon them ; and 
when fairly within the Federal lines, with but a fraction of the 
gallant brigades that had started left, Webb threw his splendid 
Brigade against them. (Italics ours.) Garnett was killed, Armi- 
stead was mortally wounded, and Kemper lay bleeding upon the 
field, unable to give a command or rally his column that now, 
shattered and broken by Webb, was making its way to the Confed- 
erate lines, leaving behind them as trophies of their valor more 
than one-third of their number dead and wounded, and as prizes 
to the Federal army fifteen stands of colors, with over thirty-five 
hundred prisoners. 

In this action, Captains Sperry and Ford were both wounded, 
and the command of the detachment of the One Hundred and 
Sixth Pennsylvania devolved upon Captain Lynch, who withdrew 
his men to the crest, in rear of the Seventy-Second Regiment 
after the fight had ceased. Shortly afterwards. General Webb 
came to him and said, "Captain, I consider you and 3'our men a 
picked band, and should the attack be renewed, and should there 
be any wavering or giving way of the troops in your front, I want 
you to throw yourselves into the breach". This little band, that 
had numbered about one hundred men, that had done so well and 
lost so heavily, one half of their officers and about one third of 
their men, now greatly exhausted, slept there among the dead, 
and rejoined the Regiment when it returned to the Brigade, on the 
evening of the 5th. 

Early on the morning of the 4th. the One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania was advanced, by General Ames, commanding the 
First Division of the Eleventh Corps, preceded by a line of 
skirmishers, down into the town of Gettysburg, driving before 



204 THE OXE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

them the enemy's skirmishers, and, continuing- through the town 
by Baltimore and Carhsle streets, was placed in position on a 
slight eminence on the north of the town. Thus was the One 
Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania the first to enter the town after 
the First and Eleventh Corps had been driven from there on the 
night of the first day's fight ; later in the day, was withdrawn to 
its former position on Cemetery Hill, and the next day, was re- 
lieved and ordered to rejoin its Brigade. 

Our loss in this, the greatest battle fought on American soil, was 
very heavy, in proportion to the number engaged. Yet, again, the 
good fortune that seemed to always attend the Regiment, again 
favored us ; and considering the important part taken by the Regi- 
ment, its exposed positions, on picket, charging the enemy's line 
and supporting the artillery, and hard fighting done, our loss was 
comparatively light. Our reports showed a total of thirty officers 
and three hundred and thirteen men present for duty, from which 
must be deducted the non-combatants, viz : Musicians, Ambulance 
Corps and Medical Department and Teamsters, which would 
leave us about three- hundred officers and men in the fight. Of 
these our loss was as follows : 

Killed : 
Comfy any A. 
Corporal David G. Walton. 

Company B. 
Lieutenant William H. Smith, Sergeant Samuel T. James, Cor- 
porals Samuel Fitzinger and Samuel Hayburn, and Private 
James Binker. 

Company G. 
Private John O. Kearney, Anthony Starr. 

Company H. 
Private Isaac H. Rich. 

Company I. 
Private Joshua M. Plider. 
One officer and ten men. 

Wounded: 
Adjutant F. M. Pleis. 
Company A. 
Captain Sperry, Lieutenants Schwartz and Casey, Sergeants 
Strohm and Crewe, Corporals Dove and Steinmetz. and 
Privates Brady, Morris, Murray. John B. Murphy, Ray, 
Slavin, Thompson, Waldron and Webber. 



1863] GETTYSBURG 205 

Company B. 
Captain Lynch, Sergeants Marshall and Murphy, Corporals Mur- 
phy and Hallowell, Privates Blanc, Bell, Canning, Devlin, 
Duncan, Hague, Hanlen, Kelly, George Moore, McGreal. 
Reynolds and J. Shetzline. 

Company C. 
Corporal Ward, Privates Clifford, Newell and Rambo. 

Company D. 
Lieutenants Irwin and Gage, Privates Harlan and Albert Hol- 
comb. 

Company E. 
Privates Bogan, Dillsneider, Kephart, McPherson and Strauss. 

Company F. 
Corporals Lucke and Hurst, and Privates Focht and George Locke. 

Company G. 
Captain Breitenbach, Sergeant Heite, and Privates Lott and 
Powers. 

Company H. 
Sergeant Weideman, and Private Spence. 

Company L 
Captain Ford. 

Company K. 
Lieutenant May, Private Eva. 
Ten officers and fifty men. 

Captured. Privates Patrick Moore, of Company B, and Yeakle, 
of Company F. Two men. 

One officer and ten men killed, ten officers and fifty men wound- 
ed, and two men captured ; making a total loss of seventy-two. 
And in the Brigade, of a total of seventy-four officers and eleven 
hundred men taken into action, the loss was forty-three officers 
and five hundred and two men, but forty-seven of them missing. 

The following is the official report of General Alexander S. 
Webb, commanding the Brigade : 

Headquarters 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 2d Corps. 
Jones' Cross Roads, Md., July 12th, 1863. 
Captain : — I would respectfully submit the following report of 
the operations of this Brigade in the actions of July 2d and 3d. 

By command of Brigadier General John Gibbon, commanding 
Division, this Brigade was put in position at 6.30 a. m. on the 2d 
on Granite Ridge, on the right of the Division, its right resting 
on Cushing's Battery (Company A, Fourth United States Artil- 



206 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

lery) and its left on Battery B, First Rhode Island Artillery, Lieu- 
tenant Brown commanding. The Sixty-Ninth Regiment was 
placed behind a fence a little in advance of the ridge, the remaining 
three regiments of the Brigade under cover of the hill in rear. 
Brown's Battery was, in the course of the day, moved to the front 
of the Sixty-Ninth Regiment. It remained at this point until the 
assault, at 6.30 p. m. During the day both of the batteries on the 
flanks of the Brigade engaged those of the enemy. The shelling 
wounded but few. 

In the morning. Captain John J. Sperry, of the One Hundred 
and Sixth, was sent out with Companies A and I of the Seventy- 
Second, and A and B of the One Hundred and Sixth, to skirmish 
and to watch the movements of the enemy. He lost a number of 
men and had several officers wounded in performing this import- 
ant duty. 

Captains John J. Spery and James C. Lynch of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth, and Captains Cook and Suplee of the Seventy- 
Second, deserve honorable mention for their coolness, intelligence 
and zeal shown both on the 2d and 3d. 

The enemy made the assault of the 2d at about 6.30 p. m. Their 
line of battle advanced beyond one gun of Brown's Battery, receiv- 
ing at that point the fire of the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, and that 
of the Seventy-First Pennsylvania, advanced to the support of the 
Sixty-Ninth ; also that of the One Hundred and Sixth and 
Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, which had previously been moved 
to the left by command of General Hancock. Colonel Baxter, 
Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, at this time was wounded. 

They halted, wavered, and fell back, pursued by the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth, Seventy-Second and part of the Seventy-First. 
The One Hundred and Sixth and Seventy-Second followed them 
to the Emmitsburg road, capturing and sending to the rear about 
250 prisoners, among whom were one Colonel, five Captains and 
fifteen Lieutenants. The Seventy-First captured about 20 prisoners 
at the position previously held by the Rhode Island Battery. 

The One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania were ordered back 
from the Emmitsburg road a little before dark, and ordered to 
report to General Howard, commanding nth Army Corps, then 
near the cemetery. For a report of its operations I refer to in- 
closed report of the regimental commander. The Seventy-First 
Pennsylvania was detached to report at the same place a little 
after dark. It returned about 12 o'clock without orders. The 
report of the Colonel, annexed, is important. 

OPERATIONS OF JULY 3. 

About I P. M. the enemy opened with more than twenty bat- 
teries upon our line. By 2.45 o'clock had silenced the Rhode 



1863] GETTYSBURG 207 

Island Battery and all the guns but one of Cushing's Batter}-, and 
had plainly shown by his concentration of fire on this and the 
Third Brigade that an important assault was to be expected. 

I had sent, at 2 p. m., Captain Banes, A. A. G. of the Brigade, 
for two batteries to replace Cushing's and Brown's. Just before 
the assault Captain Wheeler's Battery, First New York Artillery, 
had got in position on the left in the place occupied by the Rhode 
Island Battery, which had retired with the loss of all its officers 
but one. 

At 3 o'clock the enemy's line of battle left the woods in our 
front, moved in perfect order across the Emmitsburg road, formed 
in the hollow in our immediate front several lines of battle, under 
a fire of spherical case from Wheeler's Battery and Cushing's gun, 
and advanced for the assault. 

The Seventy-First Pennsylvania were advanced to the wall on 
the right of the Sixty-Ninth. Three of Cushing's guns were run 
down to the fence carrying with them their canister. The Seventy- 
Second were held in reserve under the crest of the hill. The enemy 
advanced steadily to the fence, driving out a portion of the Seventy- 
First. General Armistead passed over the fence with probably 
over 100 of his command, and with several battle-flags. 

The Seventy-Second were ordered up to hold the crest, and 
advanced to within forty paces of the enemy's line. 

Colonel Smith, commanding the Seventy-First, threw two com- 
panies of his command behind the stone-wall on the right of 
Cushing's Battery, fifty paces retired from the point of attack. 
This disposition of his troops was most important. Colonel Smith 
showed true military intelligence on the field. 

The Sixty-Ninth and most of the Seventy-First, even after the 
enemy were in their rear, held their position. The Seventy- 
Second fought steadily and persistent>y, but the enemy would pro- 
bably have succeeded in piercing our lines had not Colonel Hall 
advanced with several of his Regiments to my support. 

Defeated, routed, the enemy fled in disorder. General Armi- 
stead was left mortally wounded within my lines, and forty-two of 
the enemy who crossed the fence lay dead. 

This Brigade captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, 6 battle-flags (4 
have been turned in), picked up 1,400 stands of arms, and 903 sets 
of accoutrements. 

The loss of the Brigade on the 2d and 3d was 43 commissioned 
officers and 482 enlisted men. But 47 enlisted men are missing. 

The conduct of this Brigade was most satisfactory. Officers and 
men did their whole duty. 

The Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania lost all its field officers, but held 
its ground. The cover in its front was not well built, and it lost 



208 THE OXE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMEXT [1863 

many men lying on the ground, still, I saw none retire from the 
fence. 

A portion of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, left be- 
hind the previous evening, under Captain Ford, took part in repell- 
ing the assault. 

I lost gallant officers and men. A nominal list has been sent in. 
They need no tribute from me. 

I feel that the General commanding has had abundant proof that 
as a Brigade, the Second can be relied upon for the performance 
of any duty which may be required of it. 

Lieutenant A. H. Gushing, Fourth United States Artillery, fell 
mortally wounded at the fence by the side of his guns. Gool, brave, 
competent, he fought for an hour and a half after he had reported 
to me that he was wounded in both thighs. 

I desire to call attention to the brave conduct of Lieutenant 
Joseph Milne. Battery B, First Rhode Island Artillery, serving with 
Lieutenant Gushing. 

I recommend for promotion Sergeants Frederick Fuger and 
Edward M. Irving of that battery ; also Acting Gimner Francis 
Abraham. This battery was nobly served. 

Gaptain G. H. Banes, Assistant Adjutant General of this Bri- 
gade, assisted at all points in strengthening the line and encourag- 
ing the men and officers by his coolness. I recommend him for 
honorable mention. 

I have the honor to be, Gaptain, 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Alexander S. Webb, 
Brigadier General commanding. 
Gaptain A. H. Embler, 

Acting Assistant Adjutant General. 

Lietitenant-Colonel Curry, commandino^ the One Htmdred and 
Sixth, submitted the following as his official report: 

Headquarters io6th Penna. Regiment. 
Camp near Frederick, Md., July 8th, 1863. 
Gapt. Ghas. H. Banes, Assf. Adj. Gen. ?d Brigade. 

Sir: — I beg leave respectfully to report the operations of this 
Regiment during the battles before Gettysburg from July 2d to 5th, 
inclusive. 

After arriving upon the ground on the morning of the 2d inst., 
by order of General Webb, the Regiment was placed in position 
near the front and centre of the line. Two companies. A and B, 
were deployed as skirmishers in front of the line ; they were 



1863] GETTYSBURG 209 

warmly engaged until the action became general. The coolness 
and intrepidity with which they were handled kept the enemy at 
bay, and reflects great credit upon the officers and men of those 
two companies. Our left having attacked the enemy, were, after 
a desperate conflict, compelled to retire. At this time the enemy 
opened upon our line a furious cannonade, wounding one of our 
officers and several men. Under cover of this tire they advanced 
their infantry, driving back our first line and forcing the artillery 
in my immediate front to withdraw. By order of General Webb, 
I advanced the Regiment by the left flank, and formed in the rear 
of the second line. Shortly afterwards, orders were received to 
move forward. I advanced the Regiment to the crest of the hill 
and opened fire upon the enemy. After several volleys, perceiving 
that we checked the advance of the enemy, and perceiving their line 
to waver, I ordered bayonets fixed and a charge to be made, which 
movement resulted in complete success, the enemy retiring to their 
original position in the woods. We pursued the flying enemy to 
the Emmitsburg road, when, perceiving that we were separated 
from the line on our left by a space of seventy yards, and having 
no troops on our right except the remnant of the Eighty-Second 
New York Regiment, I halted the Regiment and sent to the rear 
for support, having first deploj'ed skirmishers in my front. The 
officer whom I sent not returning, I left the Regiment in charge of 
Major Stover, and personally applied to General Webb for support, 
when I was ordered to withdraw the Regiment to its original 
position. 

In the charge we made, we secured three guns which had been 
abandoned. I sent them to the rear by hand. We also captured 
and sent to the rear about two hundred and fifty prisoners, among 
whom were one Colonel (Gibson, Forty-Eighth Georgia), five 
Captains, and fifteen Lieutenants. Ten minutes after we returned, 
the firing not having ceased upon our right, we were ordered to 
proceed in the direction of the firing and report to Major General 
O. O. Howard, commanding the Eleventh Corps, who assigned us 
to the command of General Ames, by whose order we were placed 
in the front line, on the right of the Gettysburg road near the 
cemetery. We remained in that position until the morning of July 
4th, having been exposed to a very severe and concentrated fire 
from three batteries. On the morning of the 3d I detailed a body 
of sharpshooters who, under cover of the houses in the vicinity, 
kept up a continuous fire upon the enemy's sharpshooters, who 
were picking off the gunners of our batteries. I have reason to 
believe that the enemy's sharpshooters suffered considerably from 
this body of men. 

Early on the morning of the 4th. a body of skirmishers preced- 



210 THE ONE HUNDRED AXD SIXTH REG I M EST [18G3 

iiig us. General Ames, commanding the First Division, Eleventh 
Corps, marched the Regiment through the town of Gettysburg, 
and placed us in position on a .slight eminence on the north of the 
town. Afterwards I was ordered to conduct the Regiment to our 
original position near the cemetery, where we remained until the 
morning of the Sth, when we were relieved by virtue of the follow- 
ing orders : 

[Copy.] Headou.\rters iith Corps. Army of the Potomac. 

Gettysburg, Pa.. July ^th. 1863. 
Cominanding OMccr io6th Peuiia. Regiment. 

By direction of the commanding General you are relieved from 
duty with this Corps, and will rejoin your Corps. The General 
commanding directs me to express his thanks for your kind sup- 
port. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

T. A. MUYSENBERG, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

I will add that the two skirmishing companies detailed on the 
morning of the 2d did not accompany the Regiment to the right, 
but remanied on the centre, and took an active part in the engage- 
ment on the afternoon of the 3d. I have already furnished you 
with a list of the killed and wounded. I take great pleasure in 
saying that every officer and man performed his entire duty, and 
evinced a determination which must ever be crowned with success. 

Early in the engagement Adjutant F. M. Pleis was severely 
wounded, and Lieutenant John A. Steel was ordered to act as 
Adjutant. Adjutant Pleis, while in the field, by his coolness and 
courage, contributed greatly to the success of our efforts. His 
successor, Lieutenant Steel, also, by his daring disregard of danger, 
and promptness of action, rendered much valuable service on the 
field, and is entitled to more than passing notice. 

I make special mention of Major John H. Stover, who by his 
coolness and daring, rendered me much valuable assistance. 

[ also bear willing testimony to the good conduct of Captains John 
J Sperry, Robert H. Ford, James C. Lynch, and Lieutenant 
Charles S. Schwartz. In fact, the same may be said of every line 
officer in my command. 

Wm. L. Curkv, 
Lieutenant-Colonel commanding. 

Colonel Curry, in a letter to a friend, speaking of the charge 
of the Regiment on the 2d, said : 

We opened fire, and charged so determinedly, along with others, 
that we drove the enemy to their original lines, and would have 



1863] GETTYSBURG 211 

spiked a six gun battery, had we not been ordered back. The 
carnage was terrible, the ground being covered with the dead and 
wounded. It was in this charge that Adjutant Pleis fell, being 
struck in the thigh by a piece of shell. I have fully made up for 
my capture, in June. 1862, as this Regiment took a Colonel, two 
Majors, a number of Captains and Lieutenants, and, at least, two 
hundred privates, prisoners, we had more swords than we could 
use I have one in place of the one taken from me at Richmond, 
and also a silver-mounted pistol. 

We regret that there should be any conflict between the official 
reports of Colonel Curry, commanding the Regiment, and Gen- 
eral Webb, commanding the Brigade, as follows : Webb states, 
"Their line of battle advanced beyond one gun of Brown's Bat- 
tery". And Curry says : "In the charge we made, we secured 
three guns which had been abandoned ; I sent them to the rear 
by hand". And again Webb says : "The One Hundred and Sixth 
and Seventy-Second followed them to the Emmitsburg road, cap- 
turing, and sending to the rear, about two hundred and fifty 
prisoners." And Curry says: "We pursued the flying enemy to 
the Emmitsburg road where perceiving we were separated from 
our line on our left, and having no troops on our right, except a 
remnant of the Eighty-Second New York:" * * * JVe also cap- 
tured and sent to the rear about two hundred and fifty prisoners." 
* * * "We have no desire to take any of the glory or honors from 
the Seventy-Second, but we will not hesitate to give to the One 
Hundred and Sixth what belongs to them. They and they alone 
pursued the enemy to the Emmitsburg road, at that point, and they, 
alone, captured those prisoners, which were received by Captain 
Ford, with his Company I, at the Codori House, including Col- 
onel Gibson, five Captains and fifteen Lieutenants. And Colonel 
Gibson in his letter to Captain Ford, acknowledges the at- 
tention he there received from Captain Ford. We can only ac- 
count for this difference in General Webb's report, from the fact 
that he had only been in command of the Brigade a few days ; 
was not well acquainted with his regiments ; or, that his Assis- 
tant Adjutant General had directed that regiment to advance 
when the One Hundred and Sixth did ; and naturally supposed 
they continued with them ; and in making up his report, included 
them as part of the force that reached the Emmitsburg road, and 



212 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

therefore, assisting in the capture of those prisoners. These are 
the only ways we can now see that this error could then occur. 
In regard to the guns, retaken, if Colonel Curry directed his men 
to take three guns to the rear, it is pretty positive there must have 
been three, and Captain Lynch states that he was returning with 
his Company from the skirmish-line, after ammunition ; and pass- 
ed the Regiment at that point ; and there was more than one gun. 
We would further add, that a portion of the Regiment advanc- 
ed beyond the Emmitsburg road, and took possession of a six 
gun battery, there abandoned by the enemy in their retreat ; but 
before they had time to attempt their removal, or even spike the 
guns, they were ordered to withdraw and join the Brigade. 
These are the guns Colonel Curry speaks of in his letter. 




Sergfant RuDiiT.i'H A- W. Oestmann. 
Aug 28, 1861. Sept. 10, 18 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10, 1864, 



COMPANY E. 




Musician Gustavus Josephs. 
Aug. 28, 1861. Sept. 10. 18 

Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10. 1864, 



18631 BACK TO IIRGINIA 213 



CHAPTER XVII. 

BACK TO VIRGINIA. 

EARLY on the morning of July 7th, about 4 o'clock, we were 
awakened and told to get ready to move at once, and be- 
fore we had time to get anything to eat, we started, and 
soon bade farewell to our own State, Pennsylvania, and crossed 
the line again into Maryland. At 10 o'clock we reached Taney- 
town, tired and hungry, and being without rations, could not 
appease our hunger ; but in the afternoon, we received three days' 
rations, and by night, having consumed about one-half of them, 
we went to bed satisfied. 

We were up before daylight on the 8th, and soon on the march, 
in a heavy rain ; passed through Taneytown, turning to the right, 
passed through Bruceville and Pine Creek, and arrived at Woods- 
boro. Here a halt was made, and General Webb addressed the 
men, and informed them of the successes of General Grant in 
the Southwest, and the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the 
4th. This was received with cheers, and we started on in little 
better spirits, though still tramping through mud and rain. We 
left the road on account of its bad condition, and marched through 
the fields, which soon became as bad, as the rain came down in 
perfect torrents ; during the afternoon it ceased and soon cleared 
ofif. Passed through Walkersville, and about 4 o'clock went into 
camp near the Monocacy Creek, about five miles from Frederick. 
Many of the men availed themselves of the opportunity of a good 
bath in the IMonocacy, and a wash and clean up, which after that 
muddy march of about twenty miles was necessary as well as re- 
freshing. Left camp next morning about 6 o'clock, crossed the 
Monocacy, and about 8 o'clock, passed through Frederick, with 
colors flying and bands playing. We arrived at Jefferson about 
noon, rested for about an hour, then continued and arrived at 
Burkittsville about 5 o'clock, and camped. But in an hour were 
ordered forward again, and about dark, crossed over the South 



214 THE OXE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REG I M EXT [1863 

Mountain at Turner's Gap, and soon after camped for the night 
near Rohrersville, having marched about twenty-two miles. 

Leaving camp at lo o'clock, on the loth, passed through Ro- 
hrersville and Locust Grove, still marching in the fields, then 
through Keedysville. crossed the Antietam Creek on the stone 
bridge, and rested a while near the old battlefield ; and about 4 
o'clock, moved on and camped on the Hagerstown road, near 
Tilghman, having marched about twelve miles. 

On the 11th, passed through Tilghman, and had only gone 
about a mile further towards Williamsport, when we struck the 
rear guard of the enemy and skirmishing began. The Seventy- 
Second Regiment was immediately sent to the support of our 
skirmishers, and we were formed in line of battle on the right of 
the road. The firing ceased, but we remained in that position 
until about midnight, when we were moved, in quick time, about 
two miles and reformed our line in the road. Here we remained 
until after daylight, when we were moved back about a mile, near 
Jones' cross roads, and formed in the woods on the right of the 
road facing it. About 2 o'clock it commenced to rain and 
rained in torrents, the roads became creeks, and the fields were one 
vast mud-puddle ; yet three different times that afternoon w^ere our 
positions changed. We were finally formed on the left of the 
Third Division, with the First Division on our left. There was 
continual skirmishing all day and evening, earthworks were 
thrown up on the 13th, and towards evening we were moved 
forward and occupied them ; the next day were again advanced, 
marching for about three hours through the muddy fields to near 
Falling Waters. In the rations issued that afternoon, whiskey 
was included, which was of great value to the men in their wet 
and exhausted condition. 

Early on the morning of the 15th we left camp, turning back 
through the fields, making for Harper's Ferry, passing through 
Downsville and Bakersville, and in the afternoon through Sharps- 
burg, then struck the canal and continuing along the tow-path 
for about seven miles halted for the night about 5 o'clock, having 
marched about seventeen miles. Starting about 7 o'clock the 
next morning, marching about four miles, we came in sight of 
Harper's Ferry, but passed on and through Sandy Hook, and went 



1863] BJCK TO I'lRGINIA 215 

into camp about a mile beyond. In the afternoon we were sup- 
plied with a very limited amount of clothing and the usual rations. 
We remained in camp all day the 17th ; raining nearly all the time. 

About 2 o'clock on the morning of the i8th, the assembly 
sounded and orders were promulgated to move at once, but did 
not leave camp until 6 o'clock ; passing through Sandy Hook and 
crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge, thence over the Shen- 
andoah on a suspension bridge and around Loudon Heights to 
the valley, and went into camp at Hillsboro about 2 o'clock. On 
the 19th, pressed forward about five miles. On the 20th our Bri- 
gade was detailed as wagon guard or escort to the wagon train 
and marched about fifteen miles, passing through Woodgrove 
and Bloomfield. Remained in camp the 21st. On the 22d, 
moved about six miles, passing to the right of Upperville and 
camping near Paris: protecting Ashby's Gap until the 23d, when, 
without time to get breakfast, we pushed on to Alarkham Station 
on Manassas Railroad, where we halted for an hour, then pushed 
on to Manassas Gap to the support of the Third Corps, which was 
engaged with the enemy ; we having marched about fifteen miles. 
On the 24th, were withdrawn from the Gap about six miles to 
Markham Station. On the 25th, marched about twelve miles 
and camped near White Plains. Leaving camp about 5 o'clock 
on the 26th, passed through White Plains and New Baltimore 
and camped within three miles of Warrenton Junction, having 
marched about twenty miles ; here we remained until the after- 
noon of the 30th. 

On the 27th, Major Stover, with a detachment of the Regiment, 
went home on recruiting service. On the 30th, left camp about 
5 o'clock in the afternoon, and marched until about 11 o'clock at 
night, going about ten miles to Elk Run. On the 31st, moved 
about six miles further. We shifted camp on August 4th, and 
remained quiet during the entire month of August ; camped near 
Morrisville, about six miles from Kelly's Ford on the Rappa- 
hannock ; we had then marched about four hundred and fifty 
miles since leaving Falmouth on June 15th. We were then doing 
picket duty, being relieved every twenty-four hours, and on the 
6th, Captain Farr, returning from picket, brought in three pris- 
oners captured that night ; they were taken to Lieutenant-Col- 



21G 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 



onel furry, who sent them to General Webb at Brigade head- 
quarters. On the 13th, Captain Breitenbach, absent on account of 
wounds received at Gettysburg, returned and reported for duty. 
On the 17th, Lieutenant-Colonel Curry assumed command of the 
Brigade ; General Webb going to Division headquarters, leaving 
Captain Breitenbach in command of the Regiment. The pay- 
master paid us a visit on the i8th, and we were paid off on the 
19th. 

On the 2 1 St, the whole division was drawn up in line to witness 
the execution of a member of the Seventy-First Regiment, who 
was sentenced to be shot for desertion ; and on the 28th, two 
others, belonging to other regiments of the division, were also 
shot for the same oft'ence. Yet some might well be justified in 
being "absent without leave" if not while in action, as for over 
seventy days had we been marching day after day, with hardly 
any rest, on short rations, scarcely any clothes ; some in our Bri- 
gade actually marching in their undershirt and drawers, many 
barefoot or with only an apology for a shoe ; tramping, as has 
been said, over four hundred and fifty miles in mud and rain, heat 
and dust, night as well as day ; and here w^e were, back again 
within a short distance from where we started in June. We had 
fought and won the greatest battle that was fought throughout the 
whole war, in fact the greatest battle ever fought on this continent, 
severely punished the enemy and gained a glorious victory, but 
at a terrible sacrifice. They resisted and prevented our advance 
as they did when here last and we are no nearer their capital than 
before we started, but with the great victory we had won and the 
triumph of General Grant at Vicksburg, we felt that the backbone 
of the Rebellion was broken, but leaving much yet to be done. 

On August 31st, we again began our march, leaving camp be- 
fore daylight, passed Grove Church, and arrived at Hartwood 
Church about 11 o'clock, and shortly after pushed on to Banks' 
Ford, on the Rappahannock River, where we arrived about 4 
o'clock, having marched about nineteen miles. Here we re- 
mained until September 3d, when we returned to our old camp, 
arriving there about midnight. Colonel Curry returned on the 
5th and assumed command of the Regiment. 

On September 12th we left camp about 11 o'clock, and. march- 



1863] BACK TO VIRGINIA 217 

ing very fast, soon reached Bealton Station, and arrived at Rap- 
pahannock Station about 4 o'clock. On that day Colonel Curry 
again left us, this time to take command of the First Brigade, and 
Captain Breitenbach was again in command of the Regiment. 
This was another very warm day, and many of the men were 
sunstruck or overcome with the heat. In the afternoon a very 
heavy thunderstorm came up, but we continued our march in the 
drenching rain and had to sleep all night in it, but the next morn- 
ing brought out the sun to dry us. Leaving camp about 6 o'clock, 
going a short distance down the river, crossed on a pontoon 
bridge, and arrived at Brandy Station before noon. Our Cavalry 
under Pleasanton, having effected the crossing, became engaged 
with the enemy, and fought the Battle of Brandy Station, and 
after a hotly contested fight, gradually drove them back towards 
the Rapidan. We waited a long time while they were forcing 
their way, distinctly hearing their firing. While so waiting some 
of the men went foraging, and, in a house near by, captured a 
box of tobacco, a five-gallon keg of whiskey, and a lot of small 
arms. They also took the man under guard to headquarters 
against the protests and tears of wife and children, and thus, for 
a long while, put an end to his guerrilla warfare. In the after- 
noon we pushed on, closely following the cavalry over their con- 
tested ground ; there had been hard fighting in some places, as 
was shown by marks on the trees and the number of dead horses ; 
arrived at Culpepper at 5 o'clock and camped. The Cavalry was 
still in charge of the town, and, as a result of their heavy skirmish, 
had a large number of prisoners confined in a large church ; they 
also captured several pieces of artillery. Our Brigade was sent 
forward to relieve the cavalry and occupy the town ; the rest of 
the corps was then stretched along Virginia Midland Railroad 
form Brandy Station to Culpepper. Early next morning, Septem- 
ber 14th, we pushed on to Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan river, 
relieving the Cavalry pickets of Kilpatrick's Division. This was 
by no means a very pleasant duty, the rebel pickets from their 
rifle pits plainly seen on the other side of the river kept up an 
incessant firing, shooting as soon as any of our pickets showed 
themselves, so that they had to be relieved at dark, and keep all 
day within the small rifle pits, hastily constructed for their protec- 



218 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [1863 

tion. In a day or two after our arrival, the firino- stopped by 
mutual consent, for as soon as the Rebs found that the cavalry 
had been relieved by infantry they agreed to cease unnecessary 
firing. It was only caused by the cavalry, who had had so little 
chance to try their new seven-shooting carbines at the enemy, 
that they practised by firing at every one they saw while on picket, 
so near to the enemy's line ; this compelled the Rebs to do the 
same, hence it was dangerous work to be on picket under those 
circumstances, but things changed when those accustomed to such 
picket duty came opposite each other, and soon were on friendly 
terms, and indulged in the usual exchanges, cofifee for tobacco, 
and daily papers. One day, after we had been paid ofif, on the 
25th, an invitation was extended to the Rebs to come over and 
take dinner with us and one accepted our invitation and came 
over. He was stufifed with fresh meat, potatoes, bread and butter, 
cheese and coffee; it did us good to see "Johnny" enjoying it, 
and he expressed great surprise, and was very anxious to know 
if we always lived so well, and we, taking advantage of his in- 
nocence, carelessly told him we had only just brought these few 
things out on picket, never once admitting that they were almost 
as much of a luxury to us as to him, and only obtained by us on 
account of the recent visit of the paymaster. When finished he 
returned in safety to their lines, to no doubt make his comrades 
envious of his good fortune. 

While on duty there, a joke was played on one of our officers 
that might well be included here. On September 17th and i8th, 
it rained nearly all the time. The wagons had not been allowed 
to come so near the front, so that the officers, who had not carried 
their "house and furniture" with them, as the men had done, 
were in no very comfortable condition, those cool nights of early 
fall, and the cold rainstorm made even the days ver}- uncomfort- 
able. Three officers, a Captain, and First Lieutenant, of one 
company, and a Second Lieutenant of another, who were almost 
inseparable during their stay with the Regiment, were tramping 
u]) and down a narrow path in the woods, to kee]) up the animal 
warmth, bemoaning the storm and their condition. We will only 
name them by the nicknames they were familiarly known by ; 
"Muncy" was the Captain : "Turkey" and "Sunflower" the 



1863] BACK TO J'IRGINIA 219 

Lieutenants. The latter were frequently alluding to the equinoc- 
tial, and remarking-, "if it was raining now, what would it do 
when the sun crossed the line?" "Muncy", like a great many 
others, had heard of the equinoctial, but knew not what it meant, 
and inquired ; when explained to him, in their oivn ivay, was 
anxious to take in the sight of "seeing the sun cross the line". 
His companions, ever ready to enjoy a joke, told him that on 
the 2 1 St, if a clear day, he could gratify his desire. 

In the meantime, the wagons had been allowed to come up, and 
along with them, the sutler of the Seventy-First Pennsylvania, 
bringing a supply of the things the men needed, and plenty of 
whiskey for the officers ; not that they needed it any more than 
the men, but because they were officers they could get it. And 
our trio were able to get what they needed. That settled the 
business for them to carry out the joke on their comrade; and, 
as the morning of the 2ist ushered in a beautiful, bright and clear 
day. they told "INIuncy" they would accompany him to see the 
sight ; and equipped with their canteens well filled, they started 
through the woods to select a spot with a clearing, through which 
they could have a good view ; and one, to see the greatest sight 
of his life. Many places were passed before one that suited 
them in every particular could be found ; at last, after passing 
the picket reserve, they came upon a spot, free from underbrush, 
to which no objection could be offered, or fear of any intrusion. 
They sat down, sampled their canteens ; "Muncy" was rather im- 
patient, and inquired, "How are we going to see it?" "Not with 
your ears", shouted "Sunflower" : this provoked a good laugh, 
and gave the opportunity for another drink. He was assured that 
high noon was the proper time ; but, ere that time, too frequent 
sampling of their canteens made them oblivious of all earthly 
things, or of each other ; and they were only aroused from their 
slumbers about 2 o'clock, by a servant that had been sent after 
them with their dinners, and the information that an ispection 
was ordered for 3 o'clock. This rather disturbed their equilib- 
rium ; all knowing full well they were in no condition to appear 
in camp. However, after consultation, it was found that 
"Turkey" had secured a pass for the day from Colonel Curry, 
before leaving camp ; so, it was decided, that the other two were 



220 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [18G3 

to return to camp, and leave "Turkey" in charge of the "instru- 
ments'', to await their return. Towards evening, the woods were 
resonant with the calls of "J^^i^^y ''' "Ji™"iy!" who, on being left 
alone to overcome his loneliness, made frequent use of the "instru- 
ments" , and again slumbered; and on awakening, found that 
during his sleep, he had unconsciously rolled from place to place 
to keep out of the sun as it changed, until he was far away from 
where his companions had left him ; the trio were soon united and 
again enjoying themselves, and in a short while started for camp, 
"Muncy", in no very pleasant frame of mind at having missed the 
great sight of his life, and humiliated to think it was all on account 
of that canteen. 

After supper "IMuncy" was missing, and "Turkey" and "Sun- 
flower" started out to hunt him up. Well into the night they 
found him lying asleep in a large field at the foot of an old stump 
of a tree, with his arms around the stump tugging away and 
crying, "More kiver". So disappointed that he had gone off by 
himself, had lain himself down and gone to sleep; the temperature 
of the night being such as to make him mindful that he needed 
his blanket, and he was trying to convert that stump into one ; he 
was kindly taken in charge by "Sunflower", who took him to 
camp and put him to bed. So ended that private transit expedi- 
tion. 

On September 21st, Captain Ford, wounded at Gettysburg, 
returned and assumed command of his Company. On October 
5th we were relieved by the First Division of the Sixth Corps 
and Cavalry ; the next morning marched back to Culpepper and 
went into camp about two and one-half miles from town, where 
we remained until the loth, when we left in the afternoon and 
marched about six miles. At 3 o'clock the next morning, the 
nth, we left camp and crossed the river at Rappahannock Sta- 
tion ; our Division on the railroad bridge and the Third Division 
on the pontoon bridge below. We arrived at Bealton about 
dark, having marched about eighteen miles. Lee, having 
determined on another northward movement, had turned our 
right flank, hence our backward march to the north side of the 
Rappahannock. 

On the morning of the 12th, the Division was called upon to 



1863] BACK TO VIRGINIA 221 

witness the disgrace and punishment of another man for deser- 
tion ; this time he was "drummed out of camp", that is to have 
one-half of his head and beard shaved off, branded with the letter 
D, then placed between the guards and marched through all the 
camps with a drum corps behind him playing the Rogue's March. 

Upon our falling back, Lee immediately occupied the ground 
and took possession of Culpepper. Meade, not knowing Lee's in- 
tentions, concluded to recross the river and give him battle. So 
about noon on the 12th, we started back, recrossed the Rappa- 
hannock, and forming in line of battle advanced towards Brandy 
Station. 

This was one of the rare opportunities offered during our war 
for the movement of troops in battle, in level open country, afford- 
ing a fine view of their magnificent array and manoeuvring, that 
could not fail to inspire all who witnessed it. Advancing direct 
from the river, on the right, is a large hill, on which were con- 
structed works for artillery, that could command the surrounding 
country for a long distance ; on the left runs the railroad at right 
angle from the river ; between, is flat, open space, about a mile 
wide, on which our Corps, the Second, was formed in nine lines, 
a brigade in each line, with the regiments formed in close columns 
by division, our center division, slowly advancing parallel with the 
railroad ; between each line were the Brigade Commanders and 
their staffs and colors, with their aides riding rapidly from point 
to point, as it became necessary to carry instructions to the Regi- 
mental Commanders. Around each regiment were its motmted 
officers ; in the rear of each were the surgeons and their helpers ; 
following in the rear of all, was the ambulance corps, with their 
ambulances and stretchers, ready to do their humane work of 
caring for the wounded. Then looking to the left beyond the 
railroad, on a road running parallel with it, could be seen the 
Artillery keeping up wath the Infantry, all plainly seen at one 
time. Presently in front almost as far as the eye could see, where 
the ground by gradual ascent seemed to be meeting the sky, 
a flash was seen, then smoke ; soon the report is heard and a shell 
came crashing towards us, bursting over our heads, quickly fol- 
lowed by many others ; yet the lines slowly advanced, making no 
reply. The line of skirmishers slightly in advance of the first 



222 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT |1863 

line hurried rapidly forward, closely followed by the first line, and 
when very near the enemy's guns, the firing ceased, the battery 
and its support disappeared. Our lines halt, as the enemy had 
left, and the battle was over; thus was one of the finest oppor- 
tunities for a fair open field fight lost. But that sight can never 
be forgotten by those who saw and noted it. Over 15,000 men — 
veterans — tried by the fire of many battles, and by the march of 
many campaigns, there formed in line of battle, advancing amid 
shot and shell as quietly and orderly as if on parade or drill, and 
the whole field seen at a glance. It was a magnificent sight, that 
advance of the Second Corps on Brandy Station, on the afternoon 
of October 12, 1863, the First Division on the advance, followed 
by the Third, and the Second bringing up the rear, with the Phil- 
adelphia Brigade the advance of the Division. 

We prepared to make ourselves comfortable for the night 
where we lay, about a mile and a half from Brandy Station, but 
about 1 1 o'clock we were awakened and soon started backwards, 
recrossed the Rappahannock, passed Bealton, and arrived at 
Fayetteville, near Sulphur Springs, about sunrise, where we 
halted for breakfast. It had now been ascertained that Lee was 
executing another movement northward, and with his whole 
army was then north of the Rappahannock, making for Washing- 
ton, while Meade was south of the river facing towards Rich- 
mond. Prompt action was necessary to extricate himself from 
this position, hence our midnight march and rapid movements. 
About II o'clock we left Fayetteville and arrived at camp near 
Warrenton Junction, having marched about twenty-three miles. 

Leaving camp about 5 o'clock the next morning, October 14th, 
the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment was deployed as skirmish- 
ers and advanced to Catlett's Station, where we halted and, while 
the Division was forming in line of battle. General ?^Ieade, who 
was walking up and down close by, consulting his map, and con- 
versing with his officers, came and inquired what Brigade ours 
was, and when told that it was the "Philadelphia Brigade", said, 
'"That is just the one I want", and immediately gave orders to 
Colonel Baxter, then commanding the Brigade, as General Webb 
was in command of the Division, to escort the ammunition train 
to Centreville. We at once moved on, the One Hundred and 



1863] BACK TO VIRGINIA 223 

Sixth and Seventy-Second deployed as flankers. We arrived 
at Bristoe Station about noon, where we halted for dinner, the 
train still pushing on. Just as we were leaving Bristoe Station 
the Rebs opened on us with a light battery ; our battery was soon 
in position replying to them, and leaving them to fight it out, we 
pressed on after the train, crossed Bull Run about 4 o'clock and 
arrived at the fortifications around Centreville about dark. We 
were thus absent from the fight at Bristoe Station that day, in 
which our Corps was hotly engaged, and as the brunt of that 
fight was borne by our Division under General Webb, we would 
have had to take an active part, and our loss might have been 
great, but we could have shared in the honors of that victory, 
in which about four hundred and fifty prisoners were captured, 
together with five guns and three battle-flags, while our whole 
loss did not amount to two hundred and fifty, and included in 
that number, were three representatives of our Brigade, serving 
on detached service. Lieutenant Michael Coste, of the Seventy- 
Second Regiment, on the staff of General Owen, who was then 
commanding the Third Brigade of the Third Division, and Cap- 
tains James C. Lynch and Francis Wessels, of the One Hundred 
and Sixth Regiment, the former an aide on the Third Division 
stafif, and the latter on General Webb's Staff, Second Division, 
all wounded. 

The next morning the Brigade joined the Division at Bull Run, 
and was formed in line of battle on the right of the First Divi- 
sion, with orders to keep out of sight, and Colonel Morehead was 
assigned to the command of the Third Brigade of our Division, 
leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Curry in command of the Regiment. 
We were now in possession of Bull Run and Centreville, and had 
beaten Lee on that race towards Washington, who, finding him- 
self outmarched, if not whipped, began leisurely to fall back to- 
wards Richmond, but made several feints before retiring from our 
front, furiously attacking our pickets. On October 15th Colonel 
Curry was ordered to deploy the One Hundred and Sixth Regi- 
ment as skirmishers and advance to the support of the pickets. 
At the same time the enemy opened with artillery upon our supply 
train, then in sight, sending the shells in quick succession among 
them, which created the greatest confusion and started them to 



224 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

the rear //; i^rcaf Jiasfc, which soon terminated in a stampede — 
each one for himself; wagons, ambulances, battery wagons and 
forges, with the drivers whipping their horses and mules to urge 
them out of range. They were also surrounded by the usual 
number of bummers, and stragglers, and pioneers and musicians, 
who also made tracks out of sight as fast as their legs would carry 
them. This, I believe, was all the damage that was done, as no 
one was hurt so far as I could learn. In the meantime the picket 
firing ceased soon after the arrival of the One Hundred and Sixth 
Regiment. The next three days all was quiet ; but at daylight on 
the morning of the 19th we started after Lee. Crossing Bull 
Run on a pontoon bridge, we marched to Manassas Junction, and 
re-formed our line between there and Bristoe Station ; on the 20th 
pushed forward to Auburn, wading Broad Run twice and then 
Little Run. Continuing our march, we passed through Green- 
wich and Auburn, waded Cedar Creek and camped about 11 
o'clock, having marched about sixteen miles. On the 23d marched 
about eight miles to near Warrenton Junction, where we remained 
until November 7th, having Division drill on the 2d, 3d, 4th and 
5th. On the 2d Major Stover returned from recruiting service, 
and presented to the Regiment a very handsome pair of guidons. 
Upon the completion of the repairs to the Orange and Alex- 
andria Railroad, which had been completely destroyed by Lee, as 
he fell back, and which repairs were necessary for the forwarding^ 
of supplies for our army, we again renewed our advance toward 
the Rappahannock, leaving our camp about 7 o'clock on the 
morning of November 7, marching along the railroad, halting^ 
for an hour at Warrenton Junction, then on to Bealton, having 
then got beyond where the road was relaid, passing the men still 
at work replacing the ties and rails all new ; then left the railroad 
and marched direct for the Rappahannock. We camped for the 
night within half a mile of the river; could hear firing all day. 
Our Corps with the Third formed the left w'ing or column, and 
the Fifth and Sixth Corps formed the right, and the firing we 
heard was that of the right wing which had crossed at Rappa- 
hannock Station, where they met with considerable opposition but 
finally charged and captured the enemy's works with about 1,500 
prisoners, four guns and eight flags ; the left met with little or 





Lieutenant James C Biggs. 

Sepf. 17, 1861. Oct. 19, 1864. 

As Sergeant, Company H. 

Promoted to Sergeant- Major, May i, 1862. 

Promoted to First Lieutenant. Co. F., Sept. 19, iS 

Discharged, Oct. 19, 1S64. 



Sergeant Richard F. Whitmoyer. 

Sept. 12, i86r. June 30, 1865 

Re-enlisted March 30, 1864. Veteran. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant, March 20, 1864. 

Promoted to First Sergeant, June 13, 1865. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Prisoner from June 22, 1864 to Nov. 26, 1864, 

Mustered out with Company, June 30, 1865. 



COMPANY F. 





Jacoi! Focht. 

Aug. 12, 1861. June 25, 1865. 

Re-enlisted March 30, 1864. Veteran. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12,' 1864. 

Discharged, June 26, 1865. 



Thomas Purcei-l. 

Aug. 14, 1861. June i, 1864. 

Re-enlisted March 30, 1864. Veteran. 

Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June i, 1864 



1863] BACK TO VIRGINIA 225 

no opposition and crossed at Kelly's Ford on pontoon bridges ; onr 
Brigade crossed early on the morning of the 8th, forming in line 
of battle, our Brigade in the advance ; the Sixty-Ninth Regiment 
was deplo3^ed as skirmishers ; advancing for about a mile, passing 
a rebel camp, where the main body halted. This was the camp of 
the Twenty-First Georgia, Twenty-Fourth North Carolina, 
Second North Carolina Cavalry, a regiment from Florida and one 
from Virginia, and they had already begun making themselves 
comfortable for the winter by building log huts. Those of the 
Twenty-First Georgia were very fine, built regular, all about 
the same size, about fourteen feet long by six feet wide, with 
board roofs, fireplaces built in them, also beds and stools ; and then 
they were compelled to leave all by our unexpected advance, and 
the haste in which they were compelled to go is shown by what 
they left behind. In one camp two bullocks already dressed and 
partly cut up, in some huts the meals were partly prepared, in one 
they were baking griddle cakes or "slap-jacks", and did not have 
time to cat those baked or take them with them, another had shot 
a squirrel and had it all ready to cook, and had to leave it ; one 
had commenced a letter and had got far enough to say that they 
"wxre ordered to put up their winter quarters, as the Yankees 
had gone into winter quarters and could not follow them any 
more". As soon as we broke ranks our men rushed in and out 
of the cabins to see what they could find ; it was amusing to see 
with what eagerness they would seize on to parts of newspapers, 
reports, letters, or postage stamps, even old buttons, and anything 
and everything that was found was prized because it belonged to 
a Rebel. 

About 2 o'clock we moved ofif by the right flank and soon came 
upon a large body of troops. The One Hundred and Sixth Regi- 
ment were immediately deployed as skirmishers, and advancing 
cautiously, found that we had struck our right wing, and the 
troops were the Fifth Corjjs and Cavalry. At dark, the Regiment 
was relieved and returned, and joined the Brigade. On the loth, 
we moved two miles and camped in a large woods, near Wilson's 
Mills, not far from Brandy Station, around which our whole 
Corps was encamped. Expecting to make a IcMig stay, we began 
to put up log huts. 



22G THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [18G3 

Lee, in the meantime, had withth^awn from around Culpepper, 
and across the Rapidan. leavings us to occupy about the same posi- 
tion we cUd before we began the movement towards Washington. 
Now, Meade determined to follow him up, and force him to fight, 
before winter set in to prevent any further movements. So, on 
the 24th, we were awakened about 4 o'clock, and ordered to pre- 
pare to move at daylight — rations for ten days were issued. 
About 7 o'clock we left camp, and marched as far as ^Mountain 
Run, -when the order was countermanded, and we returned to 
camp. On the 26th, we again started, crossed Mountain Run, 
marched to the Rapidan, and about 4 o'clock, crossed at Germania 
Ford. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the 
artillery up the steep banks of the river ; the infantry had to lend 
a helping hand to get up each piece. Pressed forward to Wilder- 
ness Run and camped, having marched about thirteen miles. 

Earlv the next morning, continued some- distance along the 
Orange Plank road, then took to the woods and moved towards 
Robertson's Tavern, and between 10 and it o'clock, skirmishing 
began. Our Division was still under command of General Webb, 
and Colonel Devereux, of the Nineteenth Massachusetts, com- 
manded our Brigade, General Warren commanding the Corps. Our 
Brigade was now on the advance of the Division and was sent 
to occupy a position on the right of the road. The Seventy- 
Second Regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and advanced into 
the woods under command of their Lieutenant-Colonel, Theodore 
Hesser, who was almost instantly killed while gallantly leading 
his men. The remainder of the Brigade was formed and advanc- 
ing in line of battle to the crest of the hill lay down. Soon Gen- 
eral Webb sent orders for a regiment to move to the right of the 
picket line, to occupy an important position ; and the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Curry, was 
ordered forward, and immediately gained the point. About the 
same time, the Seventy-First was sent to support the left, and the 
Sixty-Ninth came to the assistance of the One Hundred and Sixth, 
which, with the First Brigade, were hotly pressed, but soon re- 
pulsed the enemy and held their ground, and only skirmish-firing 
was kept up the rest of the day. 

At daylight the next morning, November 28th, the whole Divi- 



1863] BACK rO J 'IRC IN I A 227 

sion was formed in line of battle and advanced for over two miles 
through dense woods and over fences, until striking the enemy's 
skirmishers near Mine Run, the Brigade was then placed in re- 
serve. On the 29th we were relieved by the Fifth Corps and 
moved ofif to the left, making a detour so as to reach the enemy's 
right flank, passing Robinson's Tavern and White Hall Church 
and reformed in our new position about dark, and about fifteen 
miles from where we started in the morning by the road we took. 
At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 30th, we moved forward for 
about three miles along the plank road at double-quick and were 
soon outside the pickets ; the Division was formed in two lines, 
the Philadelphia Brigade in the first line, and were ordered to 
lie down, keep very quiet and make no fires. Were informed by 
Colonel Curry that at 7 o'clock we would charge the enemy's 
works in our front. General Webb also addressed each regiment, 
and said that our Division had been selected for that particular 
duty, and must carry the works ; that we had 28,000 men while 
their force was considerably less, principally North Carolina 
troops. About 8 o'clock cannonading began on our left, but we 
remained quiet. The enemy's works in our front were now plain- 
ly visible with their colors planted on them. The men could be 
seen in large numbers moving around. All day long we lay 
there in that position, suffering with the cold, with nothing to eat, 
expecting every moment to get the order to charge, and knowing 
that it was a forlorn hope, that few would ever reach their works, 
or get back alive. Instead of being merely rifle-pits thev were 
regularl}' constructed works with a very heavy force defending 
them ; with sixteen pieces of artillery so constructed as to sweep 
all of the open ground, about four hundred yards wide, over which 
we would have to charge ; but fortunately for us, the order to 
charge was not given, and towards dark we were moved back 
about three hundred yards in a large, dense woods, where we 
were allowed to make fires and able to attend to the inner man. 

We remained in the same position all day of December ist; in 
the afternoon threw up breastworks. About 9 o'clock, just as 
we were making ourselves comfortable for the night, orders were 
issued to fall back, which had to be done very quietly ; everything 
was muffled, and in order to still further conceal our movement 



228 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 

from the enemy, it was necessary that two men from each regi- 
ment should remain behind to keep up the fires until 3 o'clock, 
and volunteers were called for, two from each regiment in the 
Brigade. Corporal William H. Myers, of Company A, and 
Private Peter Scheik^ of Company D, were the two who volun- 
teered from the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment. This was 
no pleasant duty, deserted as it seemed by their comrades, liable 
at any moment to be captured and the prospect of starvation in 
a rebel prison staring them in the face — 3'et those eight men re- 
mained firm at their post during those six long hours of that night 
and faithfully discharged their duty, leaving just before daylight, 
and in safety reached their regiments. The men from the other 
regiments were Corporal Frederick Murphy, Company H, and 
Private Francis M'Kee, Company D of the Sixty-Ninth ; Sergeant 
Edward Teague and Corporal Isaiah B. Tapp, of Company F 
of the Seventy-First, and Corporal William H. Hill, Company 
E, and Corporal Nathaniel Rhodes, Company I of the Seventy- 
Second Regiment. 

We moved off quietly, our Division again covering the rear. 
We had to move very slowly, with frequent stoppages ; this made 
it very hard on the men, as the night was very cold and we did 
not move fast or long enough to keep warm ; presently, those 
ahead of us must have started fires to warm themselves while 
halting, and gone and left them burning; soon the woods on both 
sides of the road caught fire, and we were virtually marching 
through fire ; this made it more comfortable for the men. About 
12 o'clock we passed White Hall Church, near which we found 
our Cavalry massed ; they were sleeping on their arms, as they 
had their accoutrements on and were taking such naps as they 
could sitting around the fires, with their horses saddled and ready 
to mount and move off at once. About 2 o'clock we left the plank 
road and turning to the left shortly after daylight passed Culpepper 
Gold Mines, and soon after recrossed the Rapidan river on pon- 
toon bridges at Culpepper Ford. Making a halt for about an hour, 
between 10 and 1 1 o'clock, to get breakfast and a short rest, then 
continued the march the entire day, December 2d, making for our 
old camp as fast as we could ; about dark, the roads becoming 
very muddv, we took to the woods and soon became mixed with 



1863] BACK TO I'lRGINIA 229 

part of the Sixth Corps that was maching parallel with us ; this 
broke our line and each one then, started for camp on his own 
hook, where some of us arrived about 9 o'clock at night, com- 
pletely used up, having made a forced march of forty-two miles 
in twenty-four hours. Our men were coming into camp all night 
long ; some rested on the wa}' and came in the next morning. 

We were now back again where we started from on the 26th 
of November ; we had done much marching and some fighting. 
Our loss in the whole Brigade at Robinson's Tavern was only ten 
killed and twenty-five wounded, and the enemy's loss, as copied 
from a Richmond paper by Colonel Banes, was "fully five hundred 
in killed and wounded". 

Thus ended the campaign in the Valley of Virginia. The One 
Hundred and Sixth Regiment bore its full share of the long 
marches, and the ceaseless vigilance required by the constant 
manoeuvring of the enemy, in the sharp conflict at Robinson's 
Tavern, or Locust Grove, the suffering from cold when active 
operations at j\Iine Run were abandoned, and in that long march 
back to our camp, and were now ready to make themselves a 
comfortable home for the winter. 



230 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1863 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

WINTER QUARTERS AGAIN. 

THE day following our return to camp from Mine Run, Dec- 
ember 3d, we moved our camp about half a mile into a 
large wood, and were told that it would be our winter 
camp, but the ground was so low and damp that many of the men 
went to General Webb and complained about it, and he, ever ready 
to look after the welfare of his men, at once gave instructions for 
a change, and we were taken back to our old camp, where we 
commenced to make ourselves comfortable; when on the 5th, 
were moved to Stevensburg, and camped in a large open field, far 
away from any wood. This was not satisfactory, so on the 7th 
were marched again, passing through Stevensburg and two and a 
half miles further toward Brandy Station, and camped in a large 
wood, on a high hill. Our camp was regularly laid out and we 
were directed to build our cabins and make ourselves comfortable 
for the winter. 

On the 8th that welcome visitor, the Paymaster, arrived and 
we were paid off. This enabled us to get many things that we 
needed for comfort in winter quarters, that cannot be carried dur- 
ing a campaign. 

We were now very comfortably fixed and had uninterrupted rest 
for five months ; our past experience of the previous years taught 
us how to enjoy ourselves; soon many received boxes from our 
loved ones at home, sending us many luxuries both for the inner 
and outer man. Many hands and feet were made more comfort- 
able b}- the warm gloves and good boots sent from home, and our 
bodies kept warmer with the heavier woolen underclothes. 
Papers were again plenty, and all the news known, and we really 
were comfortable and happy. 

The men seemed soon to forget the privations, hardships and 
fatigue of the long marches and the excitement and dangers of 
battle as they settled down in their winter camp, and devoted 



1863] WINTER QUARTERS AGAIN 231 

themselves to making every arrangement for a comfortable 
winter, bnilding comfortable homes and sending home for a few 
luxuries and comforts, to help out, and so pass the time in easy 
enjoyment and comfort, accepting the onl}- hardships that came to 
them then, the guard and picket duty, as a necessary evil, the 
interval between each gave them sufficient time to rest up and 
be ready for the next turn. 

Many comrades contributing more than their share to make 
the lives of the others more pleasant. Among them was Sergeant 
Jonathan C. Barnes of Company C, who having a fine tenor 
voice was always ready and willing to entertain his comrades, 
officers as well as men, with his good singing, he was frequently 
assisted by Corporal Wm. H. Myers and John S. Turner of 
Company A. and Quartermaster Sergeant Wm. M. Mehl, and 
others, and many times during those long cjuiet winter evenings 
would their voices be heard as they gave pleasure to their com- 
rades ; frequently being invited by the officers to their quarters 
to help them entertain their friends. 

And then this winter specially as we sat arount our camp fires, 
would we with much pleasure talk over, and count up the days 
when our enlistment would be over and we would be going home 
to our friends and loved ones, for this was to be the last winter 
in camp for many of us, even if the war was not over, and sad 
to relate it was the last winter on earth of many. Oi the three 
others who occupied that comfortable little log cabin with the 
writer, two were killed in action, one at Wilderness and the other 
at Spottsylvania Court House. 

Christmas day soon came upon us like all other days, but was 
enjoyed differently. All the members of the Brigade were taken 
to Brigade headquarters, and treated to a "drink of whiskey", and 
then the Regiment and Company officers took their turn in ex- 
tending the same courtesies to their men until some got too much, 
and then indulged in a row. Several fights occurred, which drew 
crowds, until dispersed by the officers : it even extended to regi- 
ments, whose camps joined, but after all no serious damage was 
done, and Christmas day passed away like others, many thinking 
they really enjoyed it, notwithstanding the "swelled heads", "black 
eyes", or smashed noses". 



232 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [1864 

The next day the Regiment received a new silk national flag, 
and the rcuinauts of the old bullet-riddled and storm-tossed one, 
that had been carried as our standard throughout all our cam- 
paigns, through the siege of Yorktown. the battles of Fair Oaks. 
Peach Orchard, Savage Station. Glendale, Malvervi Hill, Antie- 
tam, Fredericksburg, Flint Flill, Haymarket, Gettysburg, Auburn, 
Locust Grove, or Robinson's Tavern, were now to be kindly and 
sacredly laid way, to receive from future generations the honor 
and veneration due to it from a loyal people. During the two 
years and four months of its service, it never drooped before the 
enemy, except when its bearer was shot down, and then to be 
Cjuickly held aloft by the next man, though always carried into 
the thickest of the above-named engagements, and no member of 
the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, when looking at it, as 
it n.ow rests quietly in its case, in the Capital at Harrisburg, tatter- 
ed and torn by its hard service, but will bow his head in reverence, 
and still feel coursing through his veins a spirit of loyalty and 
devotedness that will prompt him to again respond to the call, 
and cheerfully follow its duplicate, should our glorious country 
ever call upon him to defend its honor. Rest ! and may your 
battle-torn remnants inspire future generations to emulate the 
example of those who rallied around you. 

The Government not wishing to lose the services of so many 
well-tried veterans, whose terms of enlistment were soon to ex- 
pire, solicited their re-enlistment during this winter for three 
years longer, and oiTered as inducements large bounties, a fur- 
lough for thirty-five days, and allowance of the time yet to serve, 
on the new enlistment. On December i8th. after "Retreat", the 
Regiment was addressed by Major Stover, who gave all the 
necessary information and stated that the bounty was $625. At 
first few were disposed to take advantage of the ofYer, but as the 
winter and spring wore on, a large percentage of those then pres- 
ent for duty, agreed to try it, as nearly all thought that the war 
would be over before their present term of enlistment would ex- 
pire, and they might as well have their furlough and the additional 
bounty, and by December 30th, thirty-eight men of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Regiment had re-enlisted, and were waiting for 
the thirty-five da}'s' furlough, and before the middle of March 




THE OLD IIATTLE 1 LAG. 

Now in Flag Case— Capitol, Harrisburg, Pa. 

Carried through the following Battles: 

Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Glendale, White Oak 

Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Flint Hill, Haymarket, 

Gettysburg, Auburn, Locust Grove and Brandy Station. 

From Aug. 28, 1861 to Dec. 26, 1863. 

New Flag received Dec. 26, 1863, and carried through the following Battles : 

Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania C. H., North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold 

Harbor and Petersburg. 



1864] WINTER QUARTERS AGAIN 233 

thirty more had conchided to remain in the service, going home 
in squads as their furloughs were received. On March 20th, 
Company F, Captain Farr, ahnost as an entire company, re-enhst- 
ed. and thirty of them started home on the ist of April; this made 
a total of one hundred and four men that re-enlisted out of two 
hundred and twenty-nine present. On the morning of February 
6th, we were awakened about half past 4 o'clock and told to be 
ready to march at 7 ; this was somewhat of a surprise to us. At 
the appointed time we started, and marched to the Rapidan and 
crossing at Morton's Ford, driving in the pickets of the enemy. 
Our Brigade being on the advance, formed, and rested ; remained 
there over night and returned to our camp the next day ; we were 
not engaged and therefore sustained no loss. This was merely 
a feint as though threatening an advance to cover some of Butler's 
movements on the Peninsula. This was the only interruption 
in our five months' encampment. 

On Washington's Birthday, the Corps Officers gave a large full- 
dress ball, at Corps Headquarters, in a large frame structure 
about one hundred feet long by fifty feet wide, that was erected 
from rough pine boards, that had been sawed at an old mill near 
the camp. The mill was operated, and the building built and 
decorated by the members of the different regiments whose former 
occupations were in that line. The inside was beautifully de- 
corated with the Regimental and Headquarters flags, as well as 
those from the Batteries and Cavalry. A camp-scene was ar- 
ranged on an elevated platform with shelter tents, camp utensils, 
drums and bugles, stacked arms, accoutrements, and two brass 
Napoleon guns, highly polished. The ball was a compliment to 
the many ladies, families of the officers, who were in camp, and 
many more came down from Washington for the occasion. It 
was a very brilliant affair, to w^hich the handsome dresses of the 
ladies and the showy uniforms of the officers greatly contributed. 
No thought was given to the dangers of the past, or those of the 
near future; but all gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the 
hour. 

The next day the whole Corps was ordered out for review, by 
General Meade, and the review was witnessed by over one hun- 
dred of the ladies who were nresent at the ball, the night before. 



234 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

The Corps looked well and did well. Meade may well be proud 
of "Sumner's Fighting Corps", then commanded by General Han- 
cock. 

On the 24th were again paid. 

On the morning of the 28th, orders were received to hold our- 
selves in readiness to march at daylight the next morning, with 
three days' rations. This threw the camp into a state of excite- 
ment ; but it soon subsided, and in the afternoon, held a Division 
Inspection and Muster. Nothing further w^as heard of the move 
the next da}', except to muster for pay. 

On March the 5th, the Sixty-Xinth Regiment, who had largely 
re-enlisted, went home on their thirty-five days' furlough. 

On Saint Patrick's Day we had extra amusement and enter- 
tainment by an arranged horse race and hurdle jumping among 
the officers of the Brigade. Each riding his own horse, the ex- 
citement and mistakes gave us much pleasure and anuisement. 

On the 26th, our Brigade received an additional Regiment, the 
One Hundred and Fifty-Second New York, numbering nearly 
six hundred men. This was a large acquisition, but they were 
not Philadelphians, and therefore we could not now be distinctly 
known as the Philadelphia Brigade, much to our regret. We had 
also lost our Brigade Commander, General Webb, who had been 
assigned to the First Brigade ; this was a sad loss to us, for we 
had learned to admire General Webb, and the Brigade was much 
attached to him ; l)ut war makes man}- changes, and our regret was 
somewhat lessened b}' receiving in his stead our old friend, Gen- 
eral Owen, who again assumed command of his old Brigade, as 
per orders read on dress parade of April 6th, assigning General 
Gibbon again to the command of the Division and General Owen 
to the Brigade. 

On April 8th, Colonel Morehead, having tendered his resigna- 
tion, which had been accepted and he discharged, left for home. 
The men were drawn up in line without arms, and he attempted 
to address them, but succeeded in saying only a few words, being 
overcome by his feelings in parting with his men ; the men gave 
him three hearty cheers, and, shaking hands with the officers and 
some of the men, he left. He had faithfully served in all posi- 
tions to which his three vears' active service had called him. but 



1804] WINTER QUARTERS AGAIN 23& 

through some technicaHty or cause that was never made known, 
he never received the promotion or recognition that that service 
deserved. Many who were far less competent and did far less 
service were advanced ; so he returned home with the satisfaction 
of duty well done, the afifections of his men, the respect of his 
superior officers, and the honors of another war; the separation 
was mutually regretted ; he was subsequently commissioned 
Brigadier General, but not assigned to any command. 

On April 14th, Ala j or John H. Stover was promoted to Colonel 
of the One Hundred and Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania, and left 
to assume command of his regiment, and a few days later, his 
brother, a private in Company F, was promoted to a Lieutenancy 
in the same regiment. 

Captain John J. Sperry of Company A, was then commissioned 
Major, but owing to reduced command was never mustered, and 
never returned to the Regiment from the time he was wounded 
at Gett3'sburg until he was mustered out with it, September 10, 
1864, in Philadelphia. 

On March loth, President Lincoln assigned Lieutenant-General 
U. S. Grant to the command of all the Armies of the United 
States, and toward the first of April he established his head- 
quarters with the Army of the Potomac ; and on April 22d, he re- 
viewed the whole Army. It was a grand spectacle ; about one 
hundred thousand men then composed it. 

On April 25th, our Division was compelled to witness the ex- 
ecution of a man named T. R. Dawson, of the Nineteenth Maine 
Regiment, who was hung for desertion and outraging an old wo- 
man. 

On the 1st of May, our Brigade report showed our strength to 
be as follows : 

Total Present and Absent. 

69 Pennsylvania 342 

71 Pennsylvania 589 

72 Pennsylvania 631 

106 Pennsylvania 429 

152 New York 518 

2509 78 1490 



Present. 


Officers. 


Men. 


20 


304 


13 


303 


15 


284 


9 


229 


21 


370 



236 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1864 

It was during the reorg-anization of the army that General 
Grant, reahzing the great advantage of a large and compact 
cavalry force, issued an order for all the cavalry details as 
orderlies at Brigade and Division Headquarters to be relieved 
and sent to their regiments, and that volunteers be called for from 
the infantry to take their places. 

It was then that the writer, long tired of his duties as a 
drummer boy, and still too small to go into the ranks, saw a 
chance to assume more active duties, so was one of the first to vol- 
unteer. In a few days he was ordered to report to Brigade Head- 
quarters, and took his place in the line with the others who re- 
ported from the other regiments, to be inspected by the Assistant 
Adjutant General, and, being the smallest, was on the left of the 
line, and when he came to him, asked, "where is your gun", 
replied that he did not have any. "What did you do with it?" 
Never had any. "What are you ?". \ drummer. To h — 1 with 
you, go back to your regiment, we don't want any drummers 
down here". So he returned to his regiment and with tears in 
his eyes reported to the Adjutant his failure. The Adjutant 
kindly sympathized wath him, and told him he would remember 
him and give him another chance at the first opportunity. Two 
days later an order was received for one man to report to Division 
Headquarters, and the Adjutant, true to his promise, sent the 
writer to report, and that time he was accepted, no objection 
being made to his size and was at once given his horse and equip- 
ments and assigned to duty and for the balance of his term of 
enlistment served as orderly on the staff of General John Gibbon, 
and by him three times commended for the manner in which he 
discharged his duties and finally promoted him to Corporal and 
placed in charge of all the other orderlies at those headquarters. 





CaI'1 . 



\<. 



H. 



FcjRD 

Aug. 24. 1861. Sept. 10, 18 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 186 
Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10, i8i 



Corporal Jefferson Arthur. 
Aug. 26. 1861. Jan, 25, 18 

Captured at Malvern Hill. Va , July i, 181 
Prisoner from July i, 1862. to Aug. 20, iSt 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, i8f 
Prisoner from June 22, 1864, to Nov. 30, 18 
Discharged, Jan. 25, 1865. 



COMPANY I. 





1861 1864 

Corporal Jos. R. C. Ward, 

Aug. 24, 1861. Sept. 10, 1864. 

As Musician. 

Detailed as Mounted Orderly at Headquarters, Second Division, Second Corps, April 15, 18 

Promoted to Corporal. June 22. 1864. 

Appointed Chief ot Orderlies same day. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864 

Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10, 1864. 



1864] THE WILDERNESS 237 



CHAPTER XIX 



THE WILDERNESS. 



ABOUT the first of May it became evident that General Grant 
was about ready to commence his "destruction of Lee's 
Army". He had now about 100,000 men (99,438) in the 
Army of the Potomac, inckiding the Cavalry and Artillery, they 
having been largely reinforced with new regiments, many being 
relieved from their sinecure positions guarding the fortifications 
around Washington, their full ranks contrasting greatly with our 
veteran regiments, some of these regiments having about as many 
men as one of our entire brigades. Also many recruits were 
received and distributed in the old regiments. Our Regiment re- 
ceived seventy-four, assigned to the different companies, as 
follows : A, 6 ; B, 5 ; C, i ; D. 8 ; E. i ; F, 16 ; G, 4 ; H, 26 ; I, i ; 
K, 6. 

The Army of the Potomac was now consolidated into three 
Corps; the Second, under Major-General W. S. Hancock; the 
Fifth, under Major-General G. K. Warren, and the Sixth, under 
Major-General John Sedgwick. All of these officers had at some 
time commanded our Corps, the Second. 

The Third Division of our Corps, lately commanded by General 
Alexander Hays, was disbanded, six of the regiments being as- 
signed to the First Division, and six to the Second Division ; and 
in addition thereto the One Hundred and Fifty- Second New York 
was assigned to the Second Division and to our Brigade ; and the 
Third Corps was consolidated into two Divisions, and made the 
Third and Fourth Divisions of the Second Corps. The Divisions 
of the Corps were then commanded as follows : First, containing 
four Brigades, by Brigadier General Francis C. Barlow ; Second, 
composed of three Brigades, by Brigadier General John Gibbon ; 
Third, two Brigades, by Major-General D. B. Birney ; and Fourth, 
two Brigades, by Brigadier General G. Mott. The Brigades of 
our Division, the Second, were commanded : the First, by Brigad- 



238 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

ier General A. S. Webb; the Second, by Brigadier General J. T. 
Owen ; and the Third, by Colonel S. S. Carroll. 

General Hancock, our Corps Commander, had long been identi- 
fied with our Corps as Brigade and Division Commander, and for 
over a year had command of the Corps. A brave and gallant 
soldier, a leader in whom the men had the utmost confidence, his 
bravery inspiring them to deeds of heroism, and his command 
always found where the fighting was the hottest, and so won for 
us the name of the "Fighting Corps of the Army of the Potomac". 
Colonel Banes pays him the following compliment : 

The Second Corps, in remaining under the command of General 
Hancock, had their confidence strengthened by the experience of 
more than a year that they would be ably led and have every* op- 
portunity to maintain their high renown as one of the Fighting 
Corps of the Army of the Potomac. There are some officers 
whose appearance on the battlefield, or at the head of a column, 
imparts hope and secures the admiration of those serving under 
them. Hancock not only possessed this influence, but had the 
prestige that came from past success, and that inspired anticipations 
of brilliant achievements in the future. During the period the 
Corps had been tmder his immediate command, it had never met a 
surprise from the enemy or lost a gun in action. For a consider- 
able share of his success General Hancock was indebted to careful 
attention to details and his habit of demanding prompt obedience to 
minor orders, as well as those of a more important character. 
Until these traits were understood and known to be the principles 
of his military action, the General bore the character among volun- 
teer officers of a martinet. 

We therefore felt that, come what may, we would be well led. 

The advance was now to be made, and we, who were to bear 
no small part in it, soon made ready, and about lo o'clock on the 
night of May 3d, we left the camp that had been our home for so 
many months, the longest time we had remained imdisturbed in 
any one camp. Knowing that some severe fighting and very 
hard work would have to be done, yet buoyant with the hope that 
but four months intervened before we should be home once more, 
if God spared our lives ; it was to be our final campaign, yet many 
left that camp whose lives were required of them before the time 
for going home arrived, and they were instead taken to their 
eternal home ; it was also their final campaign on this earth. Our 



1864] THE WILDERNESS 239 

direction was south, towards the Rapidan once more. Our Corps, 
which constituted the left cokunn. made for Ely's Ford, and the 
Fifth and Sixth Corps composed the right column, and were to 
cross at Germania Ford. 

At daylight, on the morning of the 4th, we were still continu- 
ing our march and soon reached Ely's Ford, when we found 
that the Cavalry, Gregg's Division, had preceded us and crossed, 
and the engineers were completing the pontoon bridge. As soon 
as finished, about 9 o'clock, we crossed, the troops on the bridge 
and the artillery and wagons fording, marched to Chancellorsville, 
and camped for the night on the old battleground, about a quarter 
of a mile from the Chancellorsville House. During that day, all 
along the road could be seen the things thrown away by the men 
to lighten their loads and make marching more easy; overcoats, 
dress coats, blankets, cooking utensils, knapsacks, books, old boots 
and shoes, and many things that had accumulated during our 
winter camp, and for which there was no immediate use. 

At 4 o'clock the next morning, May 5th, we left camp and con- 
tinued our march southward along the Brock road, the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Pennsylvania was on the advance, Companies A 
and D were thrown forward as an advance guard, and Company 
H as flankers. Passed Todd's Tavern about 9 o'clock, and had 
only proceeded about two miles further, when orders were re- 
ceived to halt. The enemy had intercepted the advance of the 
right column, under General Warren, and the cavalry on our left 
had also overtaken the enemy, and was engaged. 

General Lee, being more familiar with this tangled wilderness, 
and knowing that he would have the advantage of us, determined 
to force a fight there. According to his morning reports, his 
whole force, including artillery and cavalry, amounted to 61,953, 
which he could now bring against Grant, and first attack him in 
the Wilderness. It is fittingly described by Colonel Banes as 
follows : 

The gloomy region of country called the Wilderness, into which 
over one hundred thousand Union soldiers had entered, is a laby- 
rinth of forests, in many places filled with tangled underbrush, 
penetrated by few roads, and these for the most part narrow and 
easily obstructed. The advantage possessed by an advancing force 



240 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SI NTH REGIMENT [1864 

of concealing its movements was more than neutralized by the ease 
with which the enemy, familiar with the ground, could form am- 
buscades or direct sudden attacks on columns while marching. 

And in this wilderness, instead of waiting an attack, Lee de- 
termined to make one, so that the advance on our right, under 
Warren, had not gone very far on the morning of May 5th, before 
they struck the advancing columns of Lee, and discovered his 
intentions. He was advancing in two columns along the old 
Turnpike and Orange Plank roads, which join about two miles 
from Chancellorsville, the turnpike crossing the road leading from 
Germania Ford at the Wilderness tavern, and the plank road 
crossing the Brock road, about two miles further south. It was 
between these two roads that Warren first encountered the enemy, 
bv throwing out Griffin's Division on his right flank, as he was 
advancing south, whose skirmishers soon met those of the enemy, 
and further movement was stopped. Warren withdrew his ad- 
vance, that had now reached the plank road, and sent them to the 
support of Griffin. About noon Griffin began the attack, and 
drove the enemy in confusion for some distance, when they rallied, 
and receiving heavy reinforcements, forced Warren back, he not 
receiving the support of that portion of Sedgwick's Corps that 
was to connect on his right. Getty's Division of Sedgwick's 
Corps was, in the meantime, sent to hold the ground at the 
junction of the plank and Brock roads until Hancock's Corps 
could be brought back. 

About II o'clock we received our orders to retrace our steps. 
Moving rapidly back on the Brock road, we could hear the contest 
going on ; and our leader, knowing the importance of securing 
the position held by Getty, to prevent our being cut ofif from the 
rest of the Army, urged his men forward, and the latter part, 
our Division, made at double-quick, and with cheers announced to 
Getty, who was then hotly pressed and hardly able to hold out, our 
arrival ; about 3 o'clock, we were hastily formed on the Brock 
road, with our right resting near the plank road, and began at 
once to strengthen our position, forming works of the logs, dead 
trees and other debris which abounded, which we had scarcely 
accomplished when Getty's Division advanced ; but unable to 
make anv headway, Hancock sent Birney's and Mott's Divisions 



1864] THE WILDERNESS 241 

to reinforce him. Subsequently our Brigade was sent to the 
support of Getty on the plank road, and Carroll's was advanced 
in the woods to the right of the plank road to support Getty's 
right, and both soon became engaged. Repeated and fruitless 
assaults were made and repelled by the enemy from his concealed 
position, until darkness closed the contest for the night, and both 
sides, exhausted by the severity of the struggle, lay upon their 
arms awaiting to renew the struggle with the coming of the day. 
General Hancock had appointed General Gibbon to command the 
left wing, consisting of his own and Barlow's Divisions, and 
General Birney to command the right, consisting of his, Mott's 
and Getty's Divisions. 

As soon as it was daylight of May 6th Hancock opened the 
battle by advancing Mott's and Birney's Divisions of his Corps 
and Getty's Division of the Sixth Corps, under General Birney, 
who connected with Wadsworth's Division of Warren's Corps, 
on the right, supported by the Brigades of Owen and Carroll ; 
Webb's Brigade having been sent to protect our right and relieve 
Getty's Division of the Sixth Corps. This advance proved suc- 
cessful, and after about one hour's hard fighting gradually drove 
the enemy from their works, and our Brigade pushing them out of 
the woods, across a large opening, crossing a small stream and 
swampy ground to the woods beyond, inflicting heavy loss. Gen- 
eral Humphreys says : 

All (meaning Wadsworth's as well as Birney's command) at- 
tacked the enemy with great vigor, and after a desperate contest 
the enemy's line was broken at all points, and he was driven in 
confusion through the forest, suffering severe loss in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners. ^ 

They then made a stand, as the position was a strong one, on 
elevated ground, and were soon heavily reinforced, and under 
cover of the woods, opened upon our line a rapid and concentrat- 
ed fire, also bringing into play two pieces of artillery. Our line 
staggered under that heavy fire and came near giving way in 
confusion, but General Owen's prompt action, ably assisted by the 
Regimental Commanders, reunited the lines, but continued to fall 
back under cover of the wood and through Getty's Division of 
the Sixth Corps there stationed, and lost heavily, including the 



242 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

commanding' officers of the Seventy-First and Seventy-Second 
Regiments, and General Owen his gallant Assistant Adjutant 
General, Captain Seabury; shortly after the firing ceased. Soon 
after, the troops on our extreme left began to give way, each com- 
mand in succession falling back, until the whole Corps had re- 
turned to their works along the Brock road, on which the regi- 
mental colors were planted, and the men prepared to hold that 
position. The cause of this sudden change of base was the ad- 
vance of Longstreet on the left flank concealed from view by the 
dense woods until they struck Birney's left, and although Han- 
cock and his Division and Brigade Commanders tried to arrest this 
retreat, they were powerless until the line reached the works, and 
all this without any firing. 

Soon after the Rebs made their appearance, having quickly re- 
occu])ied the ground we had vacated, and finding our line en- 
trenched, fired a few volleys and then all was quiet for awhile. 
In the meantime. General Burnside, who had arrived with his 
Corps from Germania Ford, was ordered to send one of his 
Divisions to report to General Hancock, and Stevenson's Division 
re])orted to him about 9 o'clock and participated in the fight with 
Birney. About 4 o'clock the fighting began again, renewed in all 
its intensity, assaulting our line, and as quickly repulsed with 
heavy loss ; our men. now behind their works, were able to re- 
taliate for what they received in the morning : soon the woods 
on our left took fire, which soon reached our works and ran along 
them, the intense heat compelling our line, Mott's Division, to 
withdraw ; the enemy noticing this, advanced like so many devils 
through the flames, charging over the burning works upon our 
retreating lines ; something must be done, and Colonel Carroll was 
directed by General Gibbon to charge with his Brigade, the sud- 
denness of which not only checked the rebel advance but started 
them back, followed by our men over the still burning works far 
into the woods beyond, in utmost confusion and with heavy loss ; 
this closed the engagement in our front, and soon after the Battle 
of the Wilderness was over. General Humphreys says that — 

Mott's Division and Ward's Brigade of Birney's Division gave 
way, retiring in disorder. * * * Anderson's Brigade of Field's 
Division took possession of that part of the first line of intrench- 



18G4] THE WILDERNESS 243 

ments and planted their colors there. Colonel Carroll, of Gihhon's 
Division had his Brigade near at hand, and was ordered by Gen- 
eral Birney to drive them out. which they did, moving forward at 
double quick. 

This is a slight eiTor, as Colonel Carroll was directed by Gen- 
eral Gibbon to move forward, who, from his position in the rear 
of the woods, by sound of the contest, said : "They are driving us" ; 
and turning to one of his staff, Captain Lynch, of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Pennsylvania, said : "Captain, ride forward and 
take Carroll's Brigade straight in that direction", indicating with 
his hand the direction of the firing. Captain Lynch communicat- 
ed his instructions to Colonel Carroll and accompanied him in the 
advance, and they arrived just in time and saved our line. Gen- 
eral Hancock's dispatch referring to this says: "Both the attack 
and counter-attack were of the handsomest kind." 

It was almost exclusively an infantry fight, the dense wilder- 
ness of wood with close underbush, rendered both cavalry and 
artillery of no use whatever, except that a little artillery was used 
in the afternoon, and two pieces on the Orange Plank road which 
did good service, while the cavalry operated far on our left at 
Todd's Tavern ; our experience here was different from any either 
before or after ; at no time could the lines of the enemy be seen, 
although but a short distance in front ; their line of fire being the 
only indication we had of the location of their troops, and their 
volleys would be the first intimation we had of their nearness, and 
these volleys would as frequently come on our flank as in our 
front, and our advancing lines were ecjually as well protected, 
until close upon them. General Hancock, speaking of this battle- 
field, says : 

It was covered by a dense forest, almost impenetrable by troops 
in line of battle, where manoeuvring was an operation of extreme 
difficulty and uncertainty. The undergrowth was so heavy that it 
was scarcely possible to see more than one hundred paces in any 
direction. The movements of the enemy could not be observed 
until the lines were almost in collision. Only the roar of musketr}' 
disclosed the position of the combatants to those who were at any 
distance, and my knowledge of what was transpiring on the field, 
except in my immediate presence, was limited, and was necessarily 
derived from reports of subordinate commanders. 



244 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

And General Humphreys says : 

So far as I know, no great battle ever took place before on such 
ground. But little of the combatants could be seen, and its pro- 
gress was known to the senses chiefly by the rising and falling 
sounds of a vast musketry fire that continually swept along the 
lines of battle, many miles in length, sounds which at times ap- 
proached the sublime. 

The loss in our Brigade was heavy, that of the Regiment being 
lo killed, 37 wounded and 6 missing — total 53, out of less than 
200 engaged. We remained quiet in our position all the next 
day, Saturday, May 7th. In this battle the Regiment remained 
with the Brigade, and during the whole fight the Brigade re- 
mained intact and executed all movements together, so that no 
special mention can be made of the Regiment, as in describing 
the part taken by the Brigade we describe the services of the 
Regiment. That they bore their full share of this great battle is 
shown by their loss and in having three men shot down with the 
colors, including Color Sergeant Charles Hickok, who was 
instantly killed. He was a brave soldier, and faithfully led his 
comrades, calling upon them to keep up with the colors ; he was 
a favorite with his comrades, and if at any time one would ask 
the members of his company to point out a good soldier, they 
would universally show you Charlie Hickok. 

The official reports give our entire loss 2,625 killed, 10,220 
wounded and 2,902 missing — a total loss of 15,387; while that of 
the enemy is only estimated at 2,000 killed, 6,000 wounded and 
3,400 missing — total 11,400, as no record has been found report- 
ing their loss in the battle of the Wilderness. 

It is estimated that, by the woods taking fire, over two hundred 
of our wounded perished in the flames and smoke, and a much 
larger number of the dead. 



COMPANY G. 




Sergeant Allen S. Elliott. 
Aug. 27. 1861. Sept. 10, 186 

Mustered out with Company, Sept. 10, 1864. 



1864] SPOTTSYLVANIA 245 



CHAPTER XX. 

SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

THE movement began almost immediately upon the cessation 
of the firing. No more waiting for reorganization, or re- 
inforcements, but forward at once. The Fifth Corps be- 
gan to move about 9 o'clock, on the night of the 7th ; the different 
commands were moving the whole night ; and we followed, about 
7 o'clock, on the morning of the 8th, south, along the Brock road. 
We arrived at Todd's Tavern about 10 o'clock; here a halt was 
made, and the Corps placed in position defending the Catharpen 
road, which connected the two roads along which the two armies 
were passing. About 2 o'clock, our Division was detached from 
the Corps and sent to join General Warren's Corps, then near 
Spottsylvania ; the balance of the Corps following the next day. 

On the afternoon of May 9th, an attempt was made to capture 
the enemy's wagon train, seen passing along a road on the south 
side of the Po river ; and about 5 o'clock, the One Hundred and 
Sixth Pennsylvania, under Lieutenant-Colonel Curry, crossed the 
river, deployed, drove in their skirmishers, and secured a lodg- 
ment. The rest of Gibbon's Division then crossed, followed by 
Barlow's Division, while Birney's Division crossed further up 
the river ; darkness prevented any further movement that evening, 
but early next morning an advance was made ; the enemy was 
found well entrenched, and the wagon train safely inside their 
works. About 11 o'clock, received orders that we were to unite 
w4th General Warren, in his efforts to carry the works in his 
front at Laurel Hill, and Hancock was placed in command of the 
combined forces, with orders to assault those works. Con- 
sequently, Gibbon's Division was withdrawn from the other side 
of the Po river, and moved to the left to the position occupied by 
Warren's Corps ; and about 2 o'clock, Barlow's Division was with- 
drawn. This was not done without the enemy taking advantage 
of this retrograde movement, and charged the rear guard of Bar- 



246 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1864 

low's Division, inflicting' heavy loss ; many of his men being 
drowned in the river and others perished in the flames of the bnrn- 
ing wood ; and the loss of one piece of artillery, which had become 
wedged in between two trees, in coming down the river bank 
through the woods, by the horses becoming unmanageable, and 
could not be removed, as there was no time to cut down the trees 
and get it out. This was the first gun lost by the Second Corps. 
Our line was formed on the right of the Fifth Corps, with 
Birney's Division in reserve. About 3 o'clock the advance was 
made ; slowly and steadily the lines closed upon the enemy, and, 
as our Division emerged from under cover of the woods, which 
was dense, and filled with underbrush of dead cedar trees so 
interlaced as to make it very difficult for troops to advance, they 
were met by a most terrific fire from their works ; this compelled 
the column, much disordered by forcing their way through the 
wood, to halt. Examination of their works, showed them 
to be so well constructed, and so strong, that it was believed to be 
impossible to take them, and further advance was not made. 
Then it was decided to assault them at 5 o'clock, to commence on 
the left, at a signal of cheers from the men, and to continue on 
to the right, each line to cheer as they advanced. About that 
hour the efifort was made, only to meet with repulse, and to be 
driven back with heavy loss. A portion of Cutler's Division, of 
the Fifth Corps, reached the abatis immediately in front of the 
works, the others halted part way and began firing, but after a 
few volleys, fell back, and the advance, having no support also 
fell back, and the assault ended, only to be renewed at half-past 
six o'clock. Colonel Carrol led the right of his line and gained 
the enemy's breastworks, and the whole line reached the abatis, 
but not being properly supported was compelled to fall back. 
For that heroic assault he was promoted to a Brigadier Gen- 
eral. And about 7 o'clock, Birney's and Gibbon's Divisions 
again charged, part of the Fifth Corps imiting, but met with no 
better success ; all further attempts were then abandoned, and the 
terrible sacrifice that must have inevitably followed all such at- 
tempts, was averted ; as it was known by all the commanders of 
the Brigades that it was almost impossible to carry those works 
bv assault. But thev obeved orders, and led their commands 




COLONEL WILLIAM L. CURRY. 

Nov. i6, 1861. July 7, 1864. 

As Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Promoted to Colonel, April 5, 1864. 

Captured at Fair Oaks, Va., June g, 1862. 

Prisoner from June g, 1862. to Sept. 4, 1862 

Wounded at Spoltsylvania C. H., Va., May 11, 1864. 

Died at Washington, D. C., July 7, 1864. Wounds. 



1864] SPOTTSVLJ'ANIA 247 

forward, and would have done their best to take them, if forced 
to continue the assault. 

In these two assaults it is estimated that the two corps lost 
nearly 5,000 men, while the enemy could not have lost 1,000. 
Still further on the left the Sixth Corps, now commanded by Gen- 
eral Wright, General Sedgwick having been killed the day before 
with a rifle bullet while placing a battery in an exposed position 
along his front, were more successful. They had carried the first 
line of works, capturing nearly twelve hundred prisoners, several 
guns and standards. They held their captured line until dark 
and then retired for want of support. 

All day of the nth no attempt was made to renew the assault, 
but continual and heavy skirmishing was kept up upon our men, 
who were erecting works. The position of the One Hundred 
and Sixth was somewhat an exposed one, in a hollow, and they 
experienced great difficulty in constructing their intrenchments ; 
several of the men were shot, and in the afternoon Colonel 
Wm. L. Curry fell mortally wounded, and was immediately carried 
to the rear, and sent to Washington, where he died July 7th. 
This was a great loss to the Regiment. He was an efficient 
officer; brave and fearless. He had just been promoted to Col- 
onel and the men had full confidence in his ability to command 
them, and became attached to him, and he had won the respect 
and admiration of his superior officers. Colonel Banes speaks 
of him as follows : 

He had won a good reputation as a faithful and intelligent 
officer, and at different periods of the service had been entrusted 
with the command of a brigade. 

About 9 o'clock that night we received orders to be ready to 
move and to so arrange the canteens, cups and accoutrements 
so as not to make any noise. About midnight we started, moving 
towards the left, and although we moved but a short distance in 
a straight line about five miles, yet the round-about way we had 
to go and the obstructions met, compelled us to go slow, so that 
it was a little before daylight when we formed in our new position, 
on the left of the Sixth Corps, with the left of our line resting 
near Brown's House, in some old works of the enemv then vacat- 



248 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1864 

ed, about half a mile west of the Xy river, and two and a half 
miles directly north of Spottsylvania Court House. About 
quarter-past 4 o'clock the whole line advanced, Barlow's and Bir- 
ney's Divisions beinp,- on the left and ]\Iott's and Gibbon's Divi- 
sions on the right. Barlow's Division being in the advance with 
his Regiments doubled on the centre, and Birney deployed on his 
right, and Mott's Division in Birney's rear. The ground in front 
of the left was clear, while that through which our Division 
passed was wooded, except about 100 yards. The rapidity and 
quickness of the movement gave us success. Barlow's Division, 
without firing a shot, cleared the space in their front in quick time, 
and captured the works and all the troops in them, and was 
quickly followed by Birney's, and the line advancing obliquely to 
their works. Barlow^ first struck them, and almost immediately 
Birney, and then Mott. The ground which our Division had to 
go over was much longer, and then the wood prevented our 
quickness of movement, so that when we emerged from the wood 
the left of the line was within the works. In the open space over 
which we had to charge there was a slight elevation, and in the 
hazy light of the breaking day, this was mistaken for their works ; 
and with a loud cheer we rushed on only to find the real works 
a short distance further back, and the enemy now aroused, await- 
ing our approach, our cheer giving them warning, so that we met 
with a terrible fire of musketry and artillery ; but the men never 
faltering, and with renewed cheers, on we went, and took the 
works, after a short hand-to-hand fight, capturing many prisoners, 
guns and colors. Those who were not captured fled to their 
second line, about half a mile to the rear. General Humphreys 
says : 

General Owen's and Colonel Carroll's Brigades of Gibbon's 
Division ran forward and entered the works with them (Barlow's 
Division) on their left, capturing the two guns on Stewart's centre, 
and turning them on the enemy. 

An attempt was then made to continue the advance and dis- 
lodge them from their second line ; but this was found defended 
b}^ a large force, and our lines were so broken and in more or less 
confusion, all formation being lost, that we could bring no efifec- 
tive force against them. As soon as we came in sight they opened 



1864] SPOTTSVLVANIA 249 

on us a terrible fire, completely staggering us, so that it was im- 
possible to reform our lines, though strenuous efforts were made 
bv the Brigade and Regimental commanders. The writer who 
was serving as orderly on the staff of General Gibbon, command- 
ing the Division, was sent to the rear with about forty of the pri- 
soners, then just captured, which he turned over to the 
Provost Guard, and returned to the front. Not finding General 
Gibbon, he rode out over the works to the firing line and reported 
to General Owen, who asked him to remain and assist him, as all 
his orderlies were either wounded or away. He cheerfully assent- 
ed and receiving from Captain Kelly of the 69th Pennsylvania, who 
was badly wounded, his sword, he acted as aide to General Owen, 
and assisted the Regimental officers to reform their lines to assault 
the second line of works all under that very heavy fire. Unable 
to gain those works, the whole line was compelled to fall back to 
the first line of works captured. For this special and hazardous 
service the writer was commended and highly complimented in a 
letter written by General Owen. A portion of the One Hundred 
and Sixth, with their colors, continued to advance, and came upon 
a line of rifle pits deserted except by three men ; these they made 
prisoners and finding themselves far in advance of our line, and 
seeing a line of the enem}- advancing on their flank, and receiving 
a heavy fire in their front, they hastily w'ithdrew and found that 
the rest of the Brigade had already fallen back and were occupy- 
ing the works and those of the One Hundred and Sixth who were 
with them, not seeing their colors, thought they had been captured 
until these men returned with them, carried by Corporal S. Macey 
Smith of Company C, the eighth man who had carried them that 
day. Efforts were at once made to reform the lines, when almost 
immediately the enemy advanced and tried to retake their works. 
Some of our men manned the guns that had been captured and 
opened on them with their own ammunition, though not in a very 
systematic or effective manner. The writer was then sent back 
by General Owen for some of our own artillerymen to come for- 
ward and man these pieces, which they soon did, and their 
familiarity with them soon made their shots tell, giving the Rebels 
back their own ammunition as they advanced to try and retake 
these works. It was evident that the point we had captured was 



250 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1864 

of the greatest importance to the enemy, as its occupation by us 
threatened to divide their ami}- ; hence their repeated efforts to 
retake it. 

General Burnside arrived with his Corps, forming on our left, 
engaged the enemy soon after our first assault, and endeavored 
to capture the works in his front, but failed. The Sixth Corps, 
General Wright, advanced and made connection with our right, 
thus strengthening our position so as to resist their repeated 
efiforts to retake it. Had Burnisde advanced when Hancock did, 
and carried the works in his front, we would have cut their army 
in two, and captured all that portion of their force in that salient 
angle, which the line of their works formed at this point. All day 
long it was one continuous assault, with a continual roar of artil- 
lery and rattle of musketry. Assaulting principally in front of 
our position, coming up to the works until the flags of both armies 
were on the works at the same time, yet our men would iwf yield, 
but drove them back each time with fearful loss. There was no 
formation yet of our line, but the men crowded into the works 
and fought shoulder to shoulder. Bravely and well did they 
stand their ground, though losing many of their number. Seven 
diiferent men were shot down with the colors of the One Hundred 
and Sixth Pennsylvania, including Captain Schwartz of Company 
A ; yet as each one fell, it was quickly taken up by another, only 
to meet the fate of the one who preceded him. Corporal William 
Wagner of Company A, was struck down three dififerent times 
with them, each wound being sufficient to render him unfit for 
further duty, but he refused to give them up and planted them 
on the works, bidding defiance to the enemy, and only when too 
weak from loss of blood to hold them any longer did he give 
them to another. While our loss was heavy, that of the enemy 
was fearful to contemplate. In front of the works those that 
fell in the first charge lay thick, and with each assault numbers 
were added, until they lay in heaps, across and on top of each 
other, while many who fell wounded were killed by other shots 
before they could be got to the rear, and some of our own men 
shared the same fate. 

Brigadier General Grant, who commanded the Brigade of the 
Sixth Corps that joined our right, says of this day's fighting: 



1864] SPOTTSYLVANIA 251 

It was not only a desperate struggle, but it was literally a hand- 
to-hand fight. Nothing but the piled up logs or breastworks separ- 
ated the combatants. Our men would reach over the logs and fire into 
the faces of the enemy— would stab over with their bayonets ; many 
were shot and stabbed through the crevices and holes between the 
logs ; men mounted the works, and with muskets rapidly handed 
them, kept up a continuous fire until they were shot down, when 
others would take their place and continue the deadly work. 
. . . Several times during the day the rebels would show a 
white flag about the works, and when our fire slackened, jumped 
over and surrender, and others were crowded down to fill their 
places. . . . The rebel ditches and cross-sections were filled 
with dead men several deep. The sight was terrible and sicken- 
ing; they were piled up several deep, their flesh torn and mangled. 

The Confederate General McGowan, of Hill's Corps, says: 

Our men lay on one side the breastworks, the enemy on the 
other, and in many instances men were pulled over. . . . The 
trenches on the right in the bloody angle had to be cleared of the 
dead more than once. An oak tree, twenty-two inches in diameter, 
in rear of the Brigade, was cut down by musket balls, and fell 
about 12 o'clock Thursday night, injuring several men in the First 
South Carolina Regiment. 

Yet, notwithstanding their frequent repulse and their heavy 
loss, they would again assault, and at one time in the afternoon 
they managed to turn the left of the Sixth Corps, exposing our 
right flank, but our line remained firm, until finally, the Sixth 
Corps drove them back and regained their position, and night 
found us still in the same position gained by the first charge in 
the morning, having held it against all their assaults, but gained 
no more. Heavy skirmishing was kept up during the entire 
night. Thus closed one of the most obstinate and deadly fights 
of this campaign, and while otir success was grand, the point 
gained important, the result was both glorious and sad ; glorious 
in the capture of the works and about 8,ooo prisoners, including 
two General officers (Major-General Edward Johnson, Bri- 
gadier General George H. Stewart) 30 standards and 20 pieces 
of artillery ; sad on accotmt of ottr heavy loss ; in the One Htm- 
dred and Sixth in addition to Colonel William L. Curry, Captain 
Charles A. Schwartz, commanding Company A, and Lieutenant 



252 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

Joshua A. Gage, of Company D, were killed ; also Sergeant 
J. W. D. Smith, of Company A; Privates Joseph Canning and 
Simon Nathans, of Company B ; Sergeant H. P. Blair, of Com- 
pany C; Sergeant James H. Hall, Corporal E. J. Holcomb, and 
Private H. Harrington, of Company D ; Sergeant William H. 
Muir, Privates W. Ritter and T. Tobin, of Company G; and 
Private William Martin of Company I ; a total of three officers 
and ten men killed, and twenty-four wounded, including the 
writer, and three missing. Total forty, out of about one hundred 
and fifty engaged. Our total loss was in killed, wounded and 
missing, 6,820, about 800 being missing, and that of the enemy 
between 9,000 and 10,000. 

It was when the left of the Sixth Corps was turned that Gen- 
eral Gibbon, seeing the danger that threatened his line, said, "My 
God they have turned Wright's left", and turning to one of his 
staff-officers, said, "Captain Embler, ride forward and gather up 
all the men you can and throw them into that break ; take an 
orderly with you". Captain Embler turning to me said, "Come 
on, Ward". I was at the time dismounted, tightening the girth of 
my saddle. I threw my arm over the horse and with one foot in 
the stirrup, when I was struck in the right shoulder by a spent-ball 
that spun me around like a top, it had struck the hip of my horse 
and glanced oft', and struck me in the shoulder. The General 
noticed it and said "Are you hurt much. Ward?" I said "No Sir", 
and lifting my disabled arm, and putting my hand in the breast of 
my blouse, I swung myself on my horse with my left hand, and 
taking the reins in my teeth, I soon joined Captain Embler, and 
together we gathered up sufficient men, and led them into the 
breach, drove back the enemy and re-established our line, T still 
using the sword of Captain Kelly. 

On the 13th no further attacks were made, the enemy being 
satisfied that the works could not be retaken, and their attempts 
had already cost them heavy loss. Occasional skirmishing, and 
the sharpshooters' shots, were the only firing during the day, ex- 
cept that the skirmishers of a Regiment in Carroll's Brigade, ad- 
vancing to feel the enemy's line, charged and captured the colors 
of a Rebel Regiment, and General Carroll was severely wounded. 
On the same day Mott's Division, reduced by losses in action and 



1864] SPOTTSYLVANIA 253 

the terms of service of many Regiments about expiring, was 
consolidated into a Brigade, and assigned to Birney's Division. 

The following circular from Army Headquarters was read to 
the troops, and encouraged them to continue their good work : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac. 
May 13, 1864 

Soldiers : — The moment has arrived when your commanding 
General feels authorized to address you in terms of congratulation. 

For eight days and nights, almost without intermission, in rain 
and sunshine, you have been gallantly fighting a desperate foe in 
positions naturally strong, and rendered doubly so by intrench- 
ments. You have compelled him to abandon his fortifications on 
the Rapidan, to retire, and attempt to stop your onward progress, 
and now he has abandoned the last intrenched position, so tenaci- 
ously held, suffering in all a loss of eighteen guns, twenty-two 
colors and eight thousand prisoners, including two General officers. 

Your heroic deeds, and the noble endurance of fatigue and pri- 
vation, will ever be memorable. 

Let us return thanks to God for the mercy thus shown us, and 
ask earnestly for its continuance. 

Soldiers, your work is not over; the enemy must be pursued, and, 
if possible, overcome. 

The courage and fortitude which you have displayed render your 
commanding General confident that your future efforts will result 
in success. While we mourn the loss of many gallant comrades, let 
us remember that the enemy must have suffered equal, if not 
greater, losses. We shall soon receive reinforcements, which he 
cannot expect. Let us determine, then, to continue vigorously the 
work so well begun, and imder God's blessing, in a short time the 
object of our labors will be accomplished. 

George G. Meade, 
Maj or-General commanding. 

No change was made on the 14th. In the afternoon there was 
a heavy artillery duel, for a little while ; then a regiment charged, 
captured two pieces of their battery. This artillery fire, on their 
part, was afterwards found to be to divert our attention, while a 
Brigade of their cavalry rode around our lines, to otir hospital, 
where they robbed our wounded of their hats, shoes, and what 
clothing and other effects they could hastily acquire. A portion 
of the Third Brigade of our Division was sent after them, but 
could not overtake them. 



254 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SINTH REGIMENT [1864 

During- the early morning' of the 15th. details were made to bury 
all the arms that had been gathered together, and could not be 
taken away; and at 5 o'clock, a. m., we withdrew from our posi- 
tion, in the captured works, and moving to the left, crossed the 
Ny river, and massed in rear of Burnside's Corps, near Army 
Headquarters, about five miles from our position in the morning. 
In the afternoon, moved to the right, and threw out skirmishers 
to the right and rear. 

On the morning of the i6th. our Division moved ofif, two miles 
to the right, and recaptured a hospital, that we had abandoned, 
containing about seven hundred of our wounded. These we got 
into the ambulances and wagons, and brought away ; and returned 
to our position without any molestation. About dark, on the 17th, 
marched back to our old position, near the Landron House, that 
we left on the 15th. recrossing the Xy river, and formed in line 
facing the works we then vacated, now reoccupied by the enemy. 
Our Division was strengthened that evening, by the addition of 
a new Brigade, of New York troops, known as the Corcoran 
Legion, containing the Sixty-Ninth, One Hundred and Fifty- 
Fifth, One Hundred and Sixty-Fourth, and One Hundred and 
Seventieth New York Regiments. 

At daylight, on the i8th, we again charged those works, and 
our Division carried the two lines of rifle-pits, driving their force 
back to the third and main line of works, which we could not 
carry ; the Sixth Corps, on our right, failing to capture the works 
in their front, we were compelled to give up the position we, had 
gained, and fall back. The Division lost in this assault, two hun- 
dred and forty-nine, in killed, wounded, and missing: and the One 
Hundred and Sixth lost five, wounded. This movement was 
made in the hopes that the enemy, following our movement to 
the left, would weaken their left, if not entirely vacate that part 
of their works, and their left flank could then be turned, inflict- 
ing great injury to them ; but it was foimd they had not done so. 

Since leaving our winter-quarters up to that date the One 
Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania had lost a total of one hundred 
and three, of a total present of two hundred and twenty-nine, 
officers and men. The total loss in the Division during the same 
time was 3,700. and that of the whole army, 33,110. 



1864] SPOrrSYU'ANIA 255 

About dark on the evening of ]\Ia}' i8th, we again took up the 
Hue of march, again crossed the Xy river, and marched down 
along its bank to Anderson's Mills, about five miles, where we 
arrived about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 19th. We remained 
quiet during the day, and about dark started again, but had not 
gone far before the order was countermanded and we returned. 
Orders were then issued to move at 11 o'clock, but when in line 
ready to move, were countermanded again, the cause being that 
a part of E well's Corps had crossed the river far on our right 
flank to watch our movements, and made for the Fredericksburg 
road and captured our ammunition train ; but before they could 
get away with it or destroy it, Tyler's Heavy Artillery Division 
and Birney's Division of our Corps charged and repulsed them 
and drove them back with heavy loss, and safely moved off the 
train. 

About 1 1 o'clock on the night of the 20th. continued our march, 
passed the Massaponax Church, and shortly after daylight crossed 
the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad. Continuing south, 
part of the time along the railroad, passed through Bowling 
Green, thence to Milford Station, passing through fertile and 
beautiful country that had not yet been devastated by the stern 
course of war ; the houses were occupied by the women and 
children and negroes, but no men were seen around ; the fields, 
green with grain and grass, and stocked wath fine cattle and 
sheep : dwellings and farm houses showing evidence of means 
and luxury, contrasting greatly with the barren country and 
wilderness through which we had just previously been marching. 

Crossed the Mattapony and camped near Bethel Church, about 
5 o'clock, and at once began to throw up breastworks. Remained 
quiet on the 22d, to await the arrival of the other corps; but at 
7 o'clock on the morning of the 23d started again, passing Bethel 
Church, and about noon halted within a mile of the North Anna 
river, near where the railroad crosses ; threw out skirmishers, 
who advanced towards the river and met the enemy entrenched 
near the river protecting the bridges, who immediately opened with 
their artillery from the south side of the river, sending their shells 
thick and fast ; thus showing that Lee had ■ anticipated Grant's 
movements, and having a shorter and more direct route, was 



256 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

enabled to be in position to intercept our march to Richmond in 
that direction. As soon as our batteries could be got into posi- 
tion, they replied, and in a short time the firing ceased. 

We desire to again impress upon our reader that the reason 
we have not, or do not, from this time on, speak more of the 
Regiment in describing the movements and battles of this cam- 
paign, is because of the greatly reduced numbers, w^hich made the 
Brigade no larger than a Regiment should be, and the Regiment 
not much larger than a Company, so that the Brigade executed 
all movements as a whole and when we speak of the Brigade, it 
includes and means the Regiment, and where we do not make 
special mention of the Brigade, but merely speak of the Division, 
we mean that the whole Division fought or marched together. 





Captain Lv.niokd D. C. Tvler. 
Aug. 28. 1861. Jan. 4, 1865. 

As Second Lieutenant. 
Promoted to First Lieutenant, July 17, 1862. 

Promoted to Captain. Feb. 24. 1863. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Prisoner from June 22, 1864, 'o Dec. 28, 1864. 

Discharged, Jan. 4. 1863. 



Lieutenant Wiiiiam B. Rosr. 
Sept. 2, 1861. April 8, 1865. 

As Sergeant, 
2. Promoted to First Sergeant, July 17, 1862 

Promoted to Second Lieutenant, Feb. 24, 1863. 

4. Promoted to First Lieutenant, Jan. 5, 1865. 

34. Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, 1864. 

Prisoner from June 22, 1864. to Feb. 22, 1865. 

Discharged, April 8, 1865. 

COMPANY H. 





FiKST Sekghant Jamfs J. Foy. 
Sept. 2, 1861. March 31, 1865. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant, May i, 1862. 

Promoted to First Sergeant, Feb. 24, 186 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, i8( 

Prisoner from June 22, 1864, to Dec. 11, iS 

Disch.TrfpH. Mnrrh oi iRfir 



J.\MES ThO.MPSON. 

Sept. 2, 1861. Jan. 17, 1865. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, 1864. 

Prisoner from June 22, 1864. to July i, 1864. 

Discharged, Jan. 17, 1865. 



1804] NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOV 257 



CHAPTER XXI. 

NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY. 

WE were now on the banks of another of those small rivers 
that abound in Virginia, which the war brought into prom- 
inence, called the North Anna; this joining with the 
South Anna, formed the Pamunkey river. Our position being 
about twenty miles directly south of the one left at Spottsylvania, 
and completely in the rear of Lee's army, had he remained there, 
but as has been said, he was fully informed of Grant's movements, 
and had fallen back and was already in position to contest our 
further advance in that direction. 

Hancock's Corps was now the left column, and at the time we 
had reached the river, near where the Richmond, Fredericksburg 
and Potomac Railroad crosses, the right, under Warren, had ar- 
rived at the river at Jericho Mills, about four miles further up. 
Warren was compelled to advance a portion of his command,, 
wading through the river, to drive the enemy and secure a lodg- 
ment to enable him to' construct a pontoon bridge ; after which he 
crossed his Corps and advanced toward the position held by the 
enemy in our front ; but in the afternoon before his lines were all 
formed, the enemy made a spirited and sudden assault upon his 
line, throwing a portion of it into confusion, but they soon rallied 
and finally drove the Rebels back at all points, capturing about 
I, GOO prisoners. 

About 6 o'clock the same evening. May 23d, Hancock was to 
try his hand, and Birney's Division was selected to charge the 
entrenchments of the enemy on the north side of the river and 
secure the bridge. General Birney, assisted by about twenty 
pieces of artillery, soon formed his lines and charged over about 
four hundred yards of open ground under artillery and infantry 
fire, until reaching their works, and carried them, ca])turing some 
prisoners ; from our position we could plainly see their advance 
and soon saw our colors planted on their works. Birney had 



258 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

driven them from their works that they had erected to pro- 
tect the bridge, but chtring the night they made several attempts 
to destroy the bridge, without success, consequently there was 
continual heavy skirmishing nearly all night. 

As soon as it was dark our division was advanced nearer the 
river, to support Birney, and the men at once began to construct 
earthworks. They had learned by experience now. that these 
temporary fortifications or earthworks, were of the greatest value ; 
and when known that the enemy was in their immediate front, they 
needed no commands to urge them to take this means to protect 
themselves, and while entrenching tools were always carried in 
the ammunition trains, they would not always wait for them, but 
with such as they could carry with them, their bayonets, hatchets, 
even tincups and pieces of wood, they would use, and at once 
begin to construct their rifle pits as soon as a halt was made. 
Both armies adopted the same method to strengthen their posi- 
tions, thus making each contest more severe on that account. 
While beyond doubt the works thus constructed saved many lives 
and enabled each side to more effectively hold their positions, it 
was more severe on the assaulting party. These works would be 
constructed sometimes through valuable ground; the deep 
trenches cut through fields, orchards and gardens, shade and fruit 
trees cut down, slave huts and outbuildings torn down for the 
timber to assist to strengthen the works, and then perhaps move 
on and leave them, as the enemy had changed front, and leave 
the owner to mourn the destruction of his land, crops, fruit and 
shade trees, and perhaps buildings. 

About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, our line advanced 
across the river, and found that the enemy had withdrawn from 
the south bank of the river to a line running obliquely from the 
river and south, beyond Hanover Junction, and entrenched as 
usual ; our line occupied the works vacated by them. The Sixth 
Corps had now joined Warren on the right, and the enemy's line 
in their front also extended obliquely from the river to the north 
bank of the "Little River", crossing the Virginia Central Rail- 
road near Anderson Station, thus forming a w^edge. tapering to 
the North Anna river. 

Burnside had now arrived with his Corps and attempted to 



1864] NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY 259 

cross the river between the positions held by Hancock and 
Warren, but was repulsed with heavy loss. Warren then tried 
to advance his line and effect a union with Hancock, but he too 
was unsuccessful, and about 3 o'clock our line was advanced, and 
although they advanced bravely and persistently, yet we could gain 
but little headway, and entrenched on the ground gained within 
about six hundred yards of their works. At about 5 o'clock a 
terrible storm of rain and hail set in, with such force as to 
put an end to all fighting; but as soon as nature's storm ceased, 
man's began again. The Rebels made an assault upon Smyth's Bri- 
gade, and although they made every effort to carry our works, 
they were unsuccessful ; and Barlow's Division was then ordered 
to make an assault, but found their works too strong, as Lee 
was enabled to reinforce all portions of his line in short order, 
and always had a large force defending any part that was attack- 
ed ; while for Grant to reinforce either of his flanks, he would 
have to cross and then recross the river. Night put an end 
to the contest. The One Hundred and Sixth Regiment met with 
no loss in that position. 

( )n the 25th, remained quiet, but on the 26th the Rebels charged 
the position held by Birney protecting the bridge, and endeavored 
to cut our army in two, but they were repulsed. Towards even- 
ing our batteries opened on their works, and after bombarding 
them for some time, our Division charged and captured their 
first line of works, which we held ; this was merely to deceive 
Lee, as at 9 o'clock orders were issued to withdraw. General 
Grant found that the enemy was too strongly posted to be dislodg- 
ed, and had determined on a further flank movement and again 
towards the left ; so we recrossed the North Anna river, march- 
ing all night, and the next day, May 27th, southward toward Han- 
over Town, and halted about midnight near the Pamunkey river. 
Starting again at daylight on the 28th, soon reached the river, 
and about 7 o'clock crossed at Huntley's or Nelson's Ferry on 
a pontoon bridge, about four miles above Hanover Town ; con- 
tinuing about a mile and a half, halted, formed in line of battle, 
and at once began entrenching. Our Corps was now the center 
and our right joined the Sixth Corps, and our left the Fifth. 
Burnside's Corps, which on May 24th was made part of the Army 



260 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1S64 

of the Potomac and placed under General Meade's orders, was 
held in reserve, conveniently located to reinforce either Hancock 
or Warren, as circumstances would rec^uire. The Sixth Corps ex- 
tending on our right to the Hanover Court House road, at 
Crump's Creek, and the Fifth on our left to the Totopotomoy. 

On the morning of the 29tli, each Corps commander was dir- 
ected to make a reconnoissance in his front, and, if need be, sup- 
port it with his whole force. The Sixth Corps, General Wright, 
advanced Russell's Division as far as Hanover Court House ; 
meeting with no enemy, Hancock advanced Barlow's Division past 
Hawes' Store to the Totopotomoy, where it was crossed by the 
Richmond road and found the enemy entrenched — a brisk skir- 
mish followed, and Birney's Division was advanced to his support 
to hold the position gained — and on the morning of the 30th, our 
Division, Gibbon's, was advanced and formed on the left of Bar- 
low, about two and a half miles southwest of Hawes' Store, with 
our left near the Totopotomoy, at the W. Jones house ; we drove 
their skirmishers for some distance, and began entrenching ; 
heavy skirmishing all day. Burnside's Corps was then moved 
into position on our left. In the meantime Warren had advanced 
Grififin's Division followed by the rest of the Corps on the road 
towards Shady Grove Church, until he struck the swampy ground 
formed by the small affluents of the Totopotomoy near Huntley's 
Corner, on the other side of which the enemy was strongly en- 
trenched ; and on the afternoon of the 30th, had a brisk skirmish 
with Early near Bethesda Church. That same evening Barlow 
attacked the enemy in his front, and by a determined assault 
carried their advanced rifle-pits. 

Early on the morning of the 31st, crossed the Totopotomoy 
Creek, drove their skirmishers into their works and kept up a 
continual heavy skirmishing all day, but gaining no real advantage 
except a foothold on that side of the creek and to impress the 
enemy that an attack was threatened. 

Tuesday morning. May 31st, found us in rather a difficult posi- 
tion ; the enemy strongly posted in our front in such a position 
that we could bring no artillery to bear upon him, while he 
could make good use of his. Between the lines, and immediately 
in front of the position held by our Brigade, was an old frame 



1864] NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY 261 

building used as a church, which afforded shelter for the enemy's 
sharpshooters ; they gained possession of it, and picked off some 
of our men. General Owen called for volunteers to advance and 
destroy it ; several responded. Among those who first volunteered 
was Denton G. Lindley. Private of Company I, of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Pennsylvania, who said he would go alone and set 
it on fire, if a detail was sent out to draw their fire. This was done, 
and he alone pushed on to the church with nothing but fagots 
in his hands ; set it on fire in several places, burning it to the 
ground, and returned in safety to his Regiment. This was a piece 
of heroism like many others that was unrewarded and unknown to 
histor}', until now recorded. 

That afternoon the enemy left their works and charged War- 
ren's line in position on the left, near Shady Grove Church, broke 
through and threatened him with serious loss and damage, but the 
Pennsylvania Reserves, by a gallant charge, drove them back, 
inflicting heavy loss. General Gibbon was then ordered to make 
a diversion in his front and charge the works to prevent rein- 
forcements being sent against Warren. A detail of fifty men 
from each regiment was sent forward to reinforce the skirmish 
line, and ordered to assault the works in their front. Although 
this charge was gallantly made, it was found impossible to carry 
them. They had a strong line of works with a large force de- 
fending them, and although part of our line reached the works, 
it did no good ; some of them were dragged over the works only 
to be made prisoners. The rest maintained the advanced position 
they had gained, subjected to a terrible fire of both musketry and 
artillery, and were only able to reply with the musket, and remain- 
ed there until night, when they were withdrawn. So ended our 
part of the engagement, known as the battle of Totopotomoy. 
About 9 o'clock again took up the line of march for another 
movement towards the left, marching all night. 

The morning of June 2d, found us still plodding along, the men 
nearly exhausted for want of sleep and rest. 

The writer was then serving as orderly on the staff of General 
Gibbon, commanding the Second Division of Hancock's Corps, 
and having lost so much sleep for several nights, having frequent- 
ly to carry dispatches and orders while the rest of the command 



262 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

were at rest and asleep, was now completely worn out ; and during 
one of the many halts, dismounted and sat down to rest, holding 
the bridle lines in his hands, and was soon fast asleep. The 
column moved on ; the whole column passed ; artillery as well as 
infantry, but he was not disturbed ; so imagine his surprise upon 
waking long after daylight, to find himself entirely alone, the 
whole column gone and his horse too, and no one to tell him 
which way they went. Examining the road he saw the direction, 
and after sharp marching for about five miles caught up with the 
artillery, passing it, then the long wagon train, then the rear of 
the Division, and finally the head of the column was reached, look- 
ing on all sides for his horse ; among the artillery, then the wagon 
train, and each regiment as he passed. Finally. during a halt, found 
him in the possession of the Hospital Steward of the Fifty-Ninth 
New York, and with some difficulty got him back, with what joy 
can be imagined. Many times during that march had he sighed 
for his horse, and had frequently repeated the familiar phrase, 
"My kingdom for a horse", as he dreaded the consequence of 
reporting to' the General his loss and hozv he had lost it. 

We arrived at the Cold Harbor House, only about ten miles 
from Richmond, about lo o'clock, and the Division was im- 
mediately put into position, and the men instructed to get some- 
thing to eat and such rest as they could, as they were completely 
exhausted from the long march and loss of sleep. About 2 
o'clock the Division was advanced and relieved General Neil's 
Second Division of the Sixth Corps. Soon after our artillery 
opened and our skirmishers advanced a short distance. More 
or less skirmishing was kept up all day. 

When the Army of the Potomac began to advance. General 
Butler, with a large force, designated as the "Army of the James", 
numbering about 25,000 men, had worked his way up the James 
river from Yorktown and landed at City Point and Bermuda 
Hundred, where he met a force under General Beauregard, who 
prevented his further advance and completely "bottled him up" 
at that point. Butler fortified his position and held his ground. 

On May 25th General Butler was ordered to send all his troops 
under General W. F. Smith (Baldy) except enough to hold his 
position at City Point, and on the night of the 28th and morning 



1864] NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY 263 

of the 29th, General Smith embarked with Brooke's Division of 
his own Corps, the Eighteenth, and the Second and Third Divi- 
sions of the Tenth Corps, under Generals Devens and Ames, 
numbering about 16,000 men, and hastened to join the Army of 
the Potomac at Cold Harbor, on transports, by way of the James, 
York and Pamunkey rivers, landing at White House on the 
Pamunkey, and marched to Cold Harbor, arriving there June 
1st, and met the Sixth Corps that had been withdrawn from our 
extreme right and hastily moved to Cold Harbor. Again was 
Lee aware of this movement, and he as rapidly advanced Long- 
street's Corps towards Cold Harbor, to prevent our crossing 
the Chickahominy. These forces met. The combined forces of 
Smith and Wright at once assaulted the position held by Long- 
street, and though stubbornly held, carried the first line of works, 
capturing many prisoners. They then attempted to take the 
second line, but were repulsed, but firmly held their ground at 
the captured works. Night closed the contest of June ist, and 
it was in rear of the position held by Wright, that our Corps 
formed on its arrival on the morning of the 2d, and in the after- 
noon our Division relieved General Neil's Division of the Sixth 
Corps. 



264 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 



CHAPTER XXII. 

COLD HARBOR. 

AGAIN was our Corps the left of the Hne. Wright's Corps, 
the Sixth, was next on our right, then Smith's, the Eigh- 
teenth, and Warren's, the Fifth, and Burnside's, the Ninth, 
was the right of the Hne, which still rested on the Totopotomoy 
creek, while the left extended to Barker's Mills, about three- 
quarters of a mile from the Chickahominy river. Our Division 
was on the left of the main road, leading from Cold Harbor in our 
lines to New Cold Harbor in the Confederate lines, occupying the 
ground between it and the other road connecting the two places, 
upon which our left rested. 

Our men were to rest quietly that night — that is, as well as they 
could in a heavy rainstorm, that began about 5 o'clock in the 
afternoon and continued far into the night, accompanied part of 
the time with hail ; but so much were they in need of sleep that 
with no shelter whatever, shielding only their faces, they slept 
through that dismal night, little dreaming that on the morrow 
many would sleep their last sleep ; for orders were even then issued 
for an assault along the whole line, about 4 o'clock the next morn- 
ing. 

Friday morning, June 3d, opened bright and clear, and Cold 
Harbor was to witness a severe contest upon her grounds. The 
signal for the advance was to be a single gun on the left, and 
about half-past four it was fired and the advance began. Barlow's 
Division, in two lines, two brigades in each line, was on our left, 
and Birney's in reserve. Barlow advanced and succeeded in 
forcing back their first line, concealed and protected by a sunken 
road, capturing many prisoners, two guns and a color. Follow- 
ing up his advantage, he succeeded in capturing their first line of 
works, but could not hold these lines, as reinforcements of fresh 
troops drove him back. 

Our Division, still commanded by Gibbon, advanced also in two 



1864] COLD HARBOR 265 

lines ; Tyler's and Smyth's Brigades in the first, and Owen's and 
McKeen's in the second ; but a swamp through which the centre 
could not pass, which widened as we advanced, broke our line 
and the effect of our charge. But amid a galling fire the rest of 
the Division boldly advanced. Owen's and part of Tyler's Bri- 
gades, to the left of the swamp, and McKeen's and Smyth's Bri- 
gades on the right. These advanced until they reached within 
seventy yards, and part of the First Brigade to within twenty 
yards of the enemy's works, and struggled hard to go further but 
could not, and fell back under cover of the w^oods. Our Brigade, 
which had been reinforced by the One Hundred and Eighty- 
Fourth Pennsylvania, to which Major Stover of our Regiment, 
had been promoted to Colonel, still commanded by General Owen, 
with orders to push rapidly forward, and pass over the front line 
in columns, had advanced, until striking the swamp and then in- 
clining towards the left through the woods, deployed, and came 
to an opening or clear ground, at the other side of which, distant 
about 150 yards, ran the enemy's works on elevated ground. 
Continuing his advance under a terrible fire of artillery and mus- 
ketry. General Owen pushed on until within fifty yards of their 
works, while a portion of the One Hundred and Eighty-Fourth 
Pennsylvania entered the works and captured a number of pris- 
oners but were almost immediately compelled to fall back with the 
rest of the Brigade, who were fighting hard to carry the works, 
and Owen realizing that they were too strong to be taken by his 
small command, and seeing Barlow's troops fast losing the ground 
they had gained on his left, leaving him without support, directed 
his men to lie down and hold their positions, not willing to yield 
any of the ground he had gained, and the men began at once to 
protect themselves by throwing up such works as they could of the 
loose sand, with their bayonets, tin cups, pieces of wood, and any- 
thing that was within reach, that could be used, all the time sub- 
jected to a terrible fire from the large number of the enemy that filled 
their works and a flank fire from a salient angle of their line that 
extended out to the swamp, on our right. They soon, however, 
had themselves protected, and all day long was that continual 
roar of musketry kept up, yet all day long our little band stood 
their ground. Thus for the second time did our noble Brigade, 



266 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

now greatly reduced by the severe campaign through which it 
just had passed, advance close to the enemy's works, and, though 
unable to carry them, refuse to yield what ground they had gained, 
lay down and held their position, remaining all day subjected to a 
terrible fire, losing many valuable men ; but instead of being with- 
drawn at night as at Fredericksburg, entrenching tools were sent 
to them, and they devoted the night to fortifying their position. 
In both cases was the Brigade commanded by General Owen. 
Colonel Banes writes as follows : 

The Second Division advanced simultaneously with Barlow, 
and, after passing through some woods, came to a swamp that 
grew wider as we approached the intrenchments. This separated 
the commands, and at some points interposed an impassable ob- 
stacle. The Brigades of Owen and Tyler advanced close to the 
enemy, and a few of the men entered their works. The First 
Brigade divided at the head of the swamp; one portion joined 
Owen and Tyler; the other, led by the gallant McKeen, passed to 
the right and reached a point within fifty feet of the enemy. Here 
they lost heavily, and being unable to advance, sheltered them- 
selves in a hollow, where they remained during the entire day, re- 
sisting all attempts of the enemy to dislodge them. 

The Philadelphia Brigade, after enduring for a short time a 
heavy fire from the enemy, were ordered to hold a position within 
seventy-five yards of the Confederate works. Taking advantage 
of the ground, with surprising rapidity they protected themselves 
with a shallow rifle-pit, using for the purpose bayonets, knives, and 
tin cups. At night intrenching tools were received, and the line 
was properly strengthened. 

Again was Grant unable to dislodge Lee from his fortified posi- 
tion. Lee had chosen his position well and used all the means 
in his power to strengthen it, profiting by the experiences of the 
past, which proved of great value to him now ; and although the 
assault had occupied less than thirty minutes he was enabled to 
infiict very heavy loss upon us. The severity of the contest is 
shown by that heavy loss, our Division alone losing 1628 men 
in killed, wounded and missing, while that of the enemy was very 
light, sheltered as they were. Our men did well, btit did not do 
all that was expected of them. Along the whole line no better 
sticcess was attained than crowned the efforts of the Second 
Corps ; and the battle of Cold Harbor may be classed as a failure 



1864] COLD HARBOR 267 

in so far as not to accomplish what was intended ; yet a success, 
in that we lost none of the ground gained, and repulsed all their 
attempts to drive us from our position ; which the}^ first attempted 
upon our Division just before dark, to put a stop to our men con- 
structing their works. They were handsomely repulsed with a 
loss that helped to equal ours of the morning. Again about ten 
o'clock they made a grand effort to take our works ; a large force 
jumping over their works and gallantly assaulting our line, and 
again were they repulsed and again paid dearly for that attempt. 

As has been said our Division loss was heavy — 1628 men, includ- 
ing many valuable officers. The First Brigade all of its field and 
staff officers, leaving the Brigade and Regiments commanded by 
junior officers; Colonel AIcKeen commanding the Brigade and 
Colonel Haskell of the Thirtieth Wisconsin were killed. General 
Owen lost two of his staff officers, and the One Hundred and 
Sixth lost one officer. Captain S. R. Townsend, killed, and sixteen 
men wounded and three missing. General Tyler commanding 
the Fourth Brigade was also wounded. The total loss of our 
army in that assault and to June 12th, when we left, was 14,129, 
whilst that of the enemy was only between 4,000 and 5,000. 

The writer vividly remembers that night ; our Division head- 
quarters were some distance in the rear, at the edge of the wood 
through which the line advanced in the morning. He was sent 
by General Gibbon with dispatches to the commanders of the Bri- 
gades, two of them were on the front line so close to the enemy's 
works, who were ready to fire at any moving object or in the dir- 
ection of the least noise. The irregular shape of our line, the un- 
known ground to go over, and the darkness of the night made 
this trip very hazardous both as to the firing and the risk of getting 
into their lines. Twice was he outside our lines riding towards 
theirs, when recalled by our men, then his horse coming near to 
where the men were lying, would call from them just aroused 
from their sleep, in no very amiable tones, "to look out where he 
was going", and each call would cause several shots to be fired 
in that direction, so that he was riding through fire all the time, 
and thanked his stars when he was safe on the road back to head- 
quarters, having executed his orders. 

On the 4th, about 10 o'clock, there was a heavy artillery duel 



268 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SLXTH REGIMENT [1864 

brought on by a party of citizens who were very anxious to have 
a look at the rebel fortifications, and General Gibbon conducted 
them to the front. As soon as they became visible to the enemy, 
they opened on them with their artillery. This cut the inspection of 
their works very short, and such haste in getting to the rear was 
not often seen, and was greatly enjoyed by the soldiers. Shortly 
after dark the Rebels made another assault on our works, and were 
again driven back. zA.gain after dark on the 5th, they made an- 
other attempt ; this time crawling over their works very quietly, 
tried to steal up to our works, intending to use only the bayonets. 
Our men kept quiet and allowed them to get up very close when 
they opened on them with a well-directed volley that sent them 
flying back to their works leaving many behind, killed or too 
badly wounded to get back. 

A little before dark on the 7th an armistice was granted to bury 
the dead and bring in the wounded of both armies that lay be- 
tween the works, and hostilities were suspended for about two 
hours, from 6 to 8 o'clock, and both parties labored hard in their 
labor of love, providing for their unfortunate comrades. We were 
much surprised to find that it extended over into the next morn- 
ing. It then became a beautiful sight to see the colors or stan- 
dards of each army planted on their works, which in some places 
were so close together that the men sitting on them could easily 
talk with each other. In front of our Division, members of both 
sides were washing together in the same small run, and joking 
each other on the results of the previous days. It seemed very 
odd to see these men mingling with each other, laughing and 
joking and very friendly, that only a short time before were watch- 
ing for an opportunity and trying their best to kill each other, 
and would so soon be trying it again. About eleven o'clock 
an officer on the Confederate side called his men back to their 
lines, and told ours he would "give them five minutes to get be- 
hind their works". And at the expiration of that time the firing 
began again in all its earnestness and danger, growing more 
intense as the day wore on, and towards dark became very heavy, 
as though gathering fresh fury from their rest, now became the 
more severe. 

Thus during the whole time our Brigade stayed there, there 



1864] COLD HARBOR 269 

was kept up that continual firing, and each night fresh assaults 
made to drive us from our position, the enemy being determined 
not to let us slip from them again during the night. 

I need hardly recount the danger that attended our men while 
lying here. The two lines of works so close together that each 
could hear the other talking, and each night the One Hundred 
and Sixth Regiment cut new lines and worked their way up closer 
to their first line, which they were soon compelled to abandon, but 
their other line was on elevated ground, so that it completely con- 
trolled ours, especially the approaches thereto, and every time 
one went to, or came from, our front line he did so at the risk of 
his life, as their riflemen or sharpshooters seemed to have their 
guns leveled and sighted, and the instant anyone appeared from 
under cover of the woods or works he was sure to receive about 
a dozen shots. The Second Brigade line ran across an open 
field with a large clear space for some distance behind it to 
the woods in the rear, and to reach the works one was compelled 
to run at full speed zigzag across this open field under a shower 
of bullets ; the works were sufficiently high, when close to them, 
to protect the men when standing, and when in the wood in the 
rear, we were comparatively safe, so that many did not attempt 
to go from one to the other, remaining where they were until 
dark and during the night attending to their wants ; but with the 
writer it was different ; two or three times each day would he 
be sent with orders or messages to the commanders of the Bri- 
gades, and both going and returning would have to run the gaunt- 
let of that fire. 

The following will illustrate how accurate was their aim, and 
how ready to shoot at any part of our men visible. On one of my 
visits with orders to General Owen, I waited to receive from the 
men such letters as they wished to mail home, and while sitting 
talking to one of the men. Private Manley, of Company D, who 
was telling me that we were sitting just where Captain Lockhart, 
one of General Owen's staff officers, was wounded during the day, 
and raising his hand across my face, pointed to the left and said : 
"The shot must have come from that large tree over there". And 
I, turning to look in the direction designated, heard the report 
of a gun and instantly heard a gurgling sound at my side, and 



270 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

turning around found Manley lying mortally wounded. In 
pointing he had got his hand above the works, and the sharp- 
shooter had fired at the hand, judging from it the position of the 
bodv, and shot him in the neck, the ball passing downward into 
the lungs, from which he died in a few days. I waited for no 
more letters but left for headquarters at once. In going to the 
Third Brigade, which had been advanced to the position gained 
by the First Brigade, we had to ride over a slight elevation of 
clear ground, which was also controlled by the rifles of the enemy, 
which we were not long in finding out, and before reaching it we 
would put spurs to our horses and go over it at a full run, but 
always received a greeting of several shots. 

The men of our Brigade suffered very much from the heat, in 
their exposed position; with no shelter of any kind except such 
as they could rig up behind the works of sand that seemed to 
attract and retain the heat. They were at the mercy of that hot 
summer sun, that made their provisions unpalatable, and render- 
ed the water they supplied themselves with during the night, of 
little use for drinking purposes long before the day was over, 
causing them to suffer for want of even water, and then with no 
facilities for washing either body or clothes. They were certainly 
in a pitiable condition, yet they were kept there for ten days with 
no relief, and to add still further to their discomfiture, the enemy 
arranged small brass howitzers down in a hollow in the rear of 
their line, and so elevated them to use as mortars, and on the loth 
began using them at intervals, throwing their shells into our 
works, which, burying themselves in the sand, or exploding, 
would send the pieces in every direction, thus killing two and 
wounding several of the Brigade. This made our position very 
uncomfortable to say the least, as night and day these unwelcome 
visitors would drop among us. Finally during the night of 
June loth, the First and Fourth Brigades were relieved by the 
Third Division of the Sixth Corps and withdrawn from their 
perilous position, the Fourth Brigade then relieving the First Bri- 
gade ; but it was not until after dark on the 12th that our Brigade 
and the Fourth were relieved and withdrawn from the front line, 
and then only to start once more on the march to the left and rear. 

We here, for the first time during our whole three vears' ser- 



1864] COLD HARBOR 271 

vice, had a separation or parting of the Regiments composing 
the Philadelphia Brigade ; these four Regiments, the Sixty-Ninth, 
Seventy-First, Seventy-Second, and One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, like one large family, had shared the 
same dangers, endured the same fatigues, marched and fought 
side by side during the whole of that time, each and all rendering 
such service as to bring credit to the beautiful city of Brotherly 
Love, whose name they bore, and now, having faithfully discharg- 
ed all the duties that were required of it from the time of its en- 
listment, what was left of the Seventy-First Regiment left us to 
return to their homes. It was a sad and yet a joyous parting; sad 
to us remaining behind, for it was like taking part of our body 
from us, and joyous to those going, having the consciousness of 
duty well done, and crowned with the laurels of many hard-fought 
battles, victories won, and faithful services rendered ; and yet sad 
to them, that so few were left to go, out of that magnificent regi- 
ment of 15 companies, that first entered the service, numbering 
nearly 1500 men, led by the gallant Baker. Those who re-enlist- 
ed were assigned to the Sixty-Ninth Regiment. 

The morning of the 13th found us still moving. Shortly after 
daylight, we crossed the Richmond and York River Railroad, and 
about sunrise, halted at Ratcliff's Tavern, where the men got 
breakfast, and then continued the march. About 1 1 o'clock, an- 
other halt was made near the Chickahominy while the advance 
was crossing at Jones Bridge. We soon moved on, and about 
2 o'clock, we crossed, leaving the First Brigade to cover the rear, 
and take up the bridge ; we continued our march, arriving at 
Charles City Court House about 6 o'clock. Here the First Divi- 
sion threw up entrenchments ; and we continued until within a 
quarter of a mile of the James river, near the Wilcox House, 
where we rested for the night ; having marched about thirty miles. 
This was another change of base, and executed so rapidly and 
quietly, as to completely deceive Lee. Grant safely landed his 
whole army on the banks of the James river, fifty miles from their 
position at Cold Harbor, in two days. 

Colonel Banes savs : 

This flank movement across the Penmsula was accomplished 
in two days by a march of over fifty miles, and was perfectly sue- 



272 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

cessful. It was one of the finest manceuvres, both in its conception 
and execution, that General Grant had adopted, and the details are 
exceedingly interesting. For successful execution it depended not 
only upon the skill employed in planning, but very materially upon 
quick movements performed without being observed by the enemy. 
The duty of masking the operations was entrusted to the advance 
force, under General Warren. This officer, after crossing the 
Chickahominy, made a feint of advancing on Richmond by push- 
ing a Division out on the New Market road ; at the same time he 
had another column driving a force of the enemy across White 
Oak Swamp, while the Second Corps was moving towards Charles 
City on the James river. All the routes of approach to the line of 
march were carefully guarded. At daylight of the 13th it was 
known by General Lee that Grant had left his front, but it is more 
than probable that he was ignorant where the next blow would 
fall. 

Early on the morning of the 14th, the Corps began crossing the 
James river, on steamers and transports, from Wilcox Landing 
to Windmill Point ; it taking the entire day to cross the Corps. 
Our Division began crossing about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and 
it was ten at night before we were all across. In the meantime 
the engineers were at work constructing a pontoon bridge, which 
was completed about midnight ; and was one of the largest ever 
constructed, being over two thousand feet long, consisting of 
one hundred boats ; on this the balance of the army crossed on 
the 15th. We camped for that night, a short distance from the 
river, establishing a strong picket line; and about 10 o'clock the 
next morning, June 15th, took up the line of march for Peters- 
burg, Virginia. 

Bryant says : 

Between the battle of the Wilderness and the close of the fight- 
ing upon the Chickahominy was a period of thirty-seven days, dur- 
ing which Grant lost 54,551 men, of whom 9,856 were reported as 
"missing". Lee lost not far from 42,000, of whom about 8.500 
were prisoners. 




LlEUTEN AN 1 

Sept. 2, 1861. 



I . I I ASSETT. 



June 10, 1864. 
As First Sergeant. 
Promoted to Second Lieutenant, July 17, 1862. 

Promoted to First Lieutenant, teb. 24, 1863. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va,, Dec. 13, 1862. 

Discharged, June 10, 1864. Wounds. 




GUSTAVU 

Sept. 20, 1861. 



K. MlLLKR. 

Nov. 
Discharged, Nov. i. 1864. 



COMPANY H. 





Thomas Thompson. 
Sept. 2, 1861. Feb. 14, 18 

Discharged Feb. 14, 1863. Disability. 



Jonathan C. Hallowell. 
Sept. 17, 1861. Dec. 6, lE 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, i8( 
Prisoner from June 22, 1864 to July i, 186 
Discharged, Dec. 6, 1864. 



1864] PETERSBURG 273 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

PETERSBURG. 

WHILE our Corps was making its way down the Peninsula to- 
wards the James, Smith's Corps, the Eighteenth, was as 
rapidly returned to General Butler, by the same route it 
had come to join the Army of the Potomac; viz., to the White 
House, thence by transports via the Pamunkey, York and James 
rivers, joining General Butler at Bermuda Hundred, where it 
arrived on Jvme 14th. 

General Butler at once ordered an advance on the enemy's 
works at Petersburg, where his forces arrived on the morning of 
June 15th, but the assault was not made until towards dark of 
that day, and succeeded only in carrying their first line or outer 
works, capturing several guns and a few hundred prisoners. 
We think he might have done better ; for had he made his assault 
earlier in the day, he would have been able to have followed up 
his advantages and obtained possession of the city, as the force 
of the enemy was small, only about 4,000, poorly entrenched, and 
could easily have been driven out. 

At 10 o'clock the same day, our Corps having all crossed, left 
our position near Windmill Point, where we had crossed the 
James, and pushed on rapidly toward Petersburg, our Division 
going by the Prince George Court House road. We arrived at 
the works near Petersburg, about ten o'clock at night, and our 
Division was at once put into position in the captured works, re- 
lieving the colored troops of Butler's forces, who had stormed 
and captured these works a short time before ; and tired and weary 
our men sought what rest they could, and while they slept, their 
leaders were planning for an assault on the enemy's works, to 
be made at daylight. This was destined to prove no very easy 
task, as Lee was then aware of Grant's intentions, and had hastily 



274 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

pushed his forces forward to hold and protect the city. All night 
long we could hear the trains steaming into the city, bearing 
their living freight to reinforce the troops stationed there, and as 
soon as they arrived they were thrown into the works, and began 
at once to fortify and strengthen their position ; so that when day- 
light dawned a complete line of works surrounded the city, filled 
with large numbers of their best troops, and their numbers fast 
increasing; thus transferring their efforts to defend their capitol 
and uphold their cause to this new section of their country that 
was so soon to witness such bloodshed and carnage ; these two 
powerful armies were again brought face to face to contest 
for mastery, transported in two days, the one about fifty and the 
other nearly one hundred miles. 

Hancock, now in command, as neither Generals Grant or Meade 
had yet arrived, realizing the importance of prompt action, decid- 
ed to assault the works at once ; orders were issued for Gibbon's 
and Birney's Divisions to begin the advance at daylight. Shortly 
after daylight our skirmishers advanced and drove their line nearly 
one mile and into their works, and at six o'clock the grand as- 
sault was made. Our column stormed the works and though the 
charge was gallantly made the enemy could not be dislodged, and 
holding the ground we had gained we at once began entrenching. 
At 6 o'clock in the evening another attempt was made to carry 
the works ; the Second and Fourth Brigades of Gibbon's Division 
charged together and captured a line of rifle-pits filled with men, 
and then pushed on to Harrison's Creek, driving the enemy to- 
wards the main line of works on the other side of the creek, amid 
a most terrible fire of artillery and musketry, but owing to Birney's 
Division on our left not advancing, our line was compelled to halt, 
and the main line was not reached ; but holding on to the addi- 
tional ground gained prepared to hold it, and again began en- 
trenching, and by the next morning was strongly posted in our 
advanced position. 

On that day the writer received his promotion to corporal at 
the solicitation of General Gibbon, on whose staff he was serving 
as orderly, when about two o'clock in the afternoon. Major Norval, 
the Assistant Adjutant General, called him and handed him the 
following order : 



1864] PETERSBURG 275 

Special Order Headquarters io6th Regiment P. V. 

No. June i6, 1864, 

Musician Joseph Ward, Company I is hereby appointed corporal 
of said Company from this date. 

By command of John R. Breitenbach, 

Captain commanding Regiment. 

then told him he was placed in command of all the orderlies at 
these Headquarters. This was a great surprise to the writer ; he 
was the youngest and smallest orderly at those headquarters, all 
the others being old enough to be his father, but as General 
Gibbon had several times commended him for his bravery, and 
the manner he had discharged his duties, he had taken this means 
to show others that services well rendered were recognized by him. 

Heavy skirmishing during all day of the 17th, and having de- 
cided on another attempt to gain possession of the city, the men 
were called to arms at 2 o'clock on the morning of the i8th. 
General Hancock, suffering from the wound received at Gettys- 
burg, was unable to sit on his horse, and compelled to remain in 
his quarters, relinquished the command of the Corps to General 
Birney. Shortly after daylight our artillery opened, and there 
ensued for one-half hour a heavy cannonading, and then the grand 
charge was made, and succeeded in driving them from their two 
lines of temporary works, they falling back to their permanent 
line nearer the city. Trying to follow up our advantage about 
noon another charge was made by our Division, but could gain 
no additional ground. So again at 6 o'clock, the final assault 
was made by the whole Corps, but this too was unsuccessful, and 
closed the contest for the day. Three successive charges were 
made, and well made, but again did we find it impossible to carry 
the city, now so strongly fortified. We had only gained a little 
ground, and lost many good men. 

That evening, June i8th. General Gibbon was mustered as 
Major-General and General Pierce as Brigadier General. 

On the 20th, about dark, our Division was relieved by Neil's 
Division of the Sixth Corps, and moved and camped near the Black- 
water, and on the 21st moved about three miles further to the left 
and formed a new line, with our right resting on the Jerusalem 
Plank road, the left of the Fifth Corps, Grifiin's Division, was on 



276 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

the right of the road. We at once began constructing works, under 
a continual heavy skirmish fire. During the night the Sixth 
Corps arrived and formed to the left and rear of our corps. 

June 22d gave us the usual heavy skirmishing of the advanced 
lines, terminating in the afternoon in three distinct assaults upon 
the works now occupied by our Division, that is, the First and 
Second Brigades ; each time they were repulsed and driven back 
to their works ; the third time advancing in three lines, yet they 
met the same fate and were sent back faster than they came. 
In the meantime General Birney, still in command of the Corps, 
was directed to advance his left by a half wheel to the right, to 
take possession of the ground in their front, unoccupied owing 
to the curve of the enemy's w^orks ; the Second Division to be 
the pivot. The First Division, under Barlow on the left, moved 
forward, but instead of wheeling around to the right they ad- 
vanced straight to the front, making a gap between them and 
Mott's Division, next on our left, who had made his half turn to 
the right, and as Barlow advanced, he increased the gap ; the 
enemy quick to perceive this, took advantage of it and immediate- 
ly pushed three brigades through the opening, giving Barlow's 
Division a volley on the flank, completely routing them, making 
many prisoners and sent the balance flying to the left and rear, 
then pressing towards the right fell upon Mott's Division and 
crushed it, and they came pouring back down past our Division, 
calling out "Fall back; you are outflanked!" thus exposing the 
left of our Division, who had just repulsed the third assault in 
their front, and before they had time to comprehend the meaning 
of the warning given them by the fleeing mass of the Mott's 
Division, received the column of the enemy in their rear, with a 
demand to surrender. The First Brigade was on the right and 
our Brigade on the left of the Division, commanded by Major 
O'Brien of the One Hundred and Fifty-Second New York, with 
the One Hundred and Eighty-Third Pennsylvnia on the left, ex- 
cept four companies, then the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania, then the Seventy-Second, the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania 
and the One Hundred and Fifty-Second New York in reserve; 
therefore, the One Hundred and Sixth was the first struck, and 
before they had time to change front, found themselves nearly 



1864] PETERSBURG 211 

all prisoners. Several Rebels sprang for the colors in the hands 
of Corporal John Houghton, of Company F, acting Color Ser- 
geant, who, seeing there was no chance of getting away with 
them, assisted by Private Henry Weinert of Company C, tore 
them from the staff and endeavored to hide them in their bosoms, 
but were detected, and immediately a scuffle began for the pos- 
session of them ; two or three other members of the Regiment 
rushed to their assistance, and together they tore the colors to 
pieces before the Rebs had time to get possession of them, hid the 
pieces, and the staff was broken in two by others and thrown 
over the works. The enemy had come down from the left flank 
and rushed upon our men in the rifle-pits, who were steadily 
loading and firing to the front. Major Anderson, of the Forty- 
Seventh Georgia, stepped up to Captain Tyler, whom he took to 
be in command of the Regiment, and said : "Colonel, I thank you 
for your sword", and Captain Tyler surrendered his equipments 
and at once gave the order to "cease firing". The Major then 
directed him to get his men to the rear as soon as possible to avoid 
further loss. This onslaught was so sudden that only a short 
time before, orders were passed along the line "to hold their posi- 
tion at all hazards", and a few minutes before. Captain Whitaker, 
of the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania Brigade "Offlcer-of-the- 
day", passed along the line and said : "Keep it up, boys, we're 
driving them", and before he had time to get far, found himself 
a prisoner. Our loss was almost the entire command, including 
Privates Lukens, of Company A ; Webster of Company B ; Arm- 
strong, of Company D ; and Anderson and Smith, of Company H, 
killed. Twelve were wounded, and three officers and seventy-two 
men were captured, but one officer and eleven men escaping; so 
that there was but one officer and twenty-eight men in the Regi- 
ment reported present the next morning. A majority of these 
were non-combatants, and so were not in the rifle-pits. 

General Humphreys describes the movement of the 22d as 
follows : 

In order that the enveloping line should be at a suitable distance 
from the enemy's works, General Birney, commanding the Second 
Corps, was further directed, on the 226., to swing forward its left, 
the right of Gibbon's Division which connected with the Fifth 



278 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

Corps being the pivot, and intrench. . . . General Wright was 
directed to move to and get possession of the Weldon Railroad 
and intrench, connecting with Birney. . . . The two Corps 
were moving chiefly through densely wooded thickets. ... It 
was late in the afternoon before General Gibbon had intrenched his 
part of the new line. General Mott was still at work upon his. 
General Barlow was only partially in position, but General Birney 
had not taken the requisite precaution to secure his left in swinging 
forward. (Italics ours.) 

General A. P. Hill had been sent down the Weldon Railroad to 
meet Meade. . . . He passed through the opening between 
Birney and Wright, and the first intimation Birney had of his 
presence was a fire upon the flank and rear of Barlow's Division, 
which sent it back in some confusion to the position it had in the 
morning, and with the loss of many prisoners. Mott's Division, 
partly seeing what had occurred, went back precipitately also to the 
position from which it had advanced, and by doing so, lost much 
fewer prisoners than Barlow's Division, but left Gibbon's Division, 
without any warning, to receive a fire in the rear of its left Brigade, 
which at once followed the example of the troops on its left, and 
abandoned a battery of four guns on its right to the enemy, who 
quickly turned it on them. So sudden and unexpected was the at- 
tack on Gibbon's left, that the greater part of several regiments 
were captured with their colors. An immediate attempt was made 
by General Gibbon to recover his line, but without success. He 
lost about as many prisoners as the First Division ; the total loss 
of the whole Corps being about 1700 prisoners, four guns and 
several colors. 

General Humphreys makes no mention of the heroic efforts of 
the Philadelphia Brigade, the left of Gibbon's Division, to hold 
their position repulsing the three different assaults in their front ; 
and at the time of their capture, the One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania, the extreme left of Gibbon's line, were steadily 
firing to their front, even while the enemy was in their rear ; and 
ceased firing, upon order from Captain Tyler, after he had sur- 
rendered his sword to Major Anderson ; and there was no chance 
for them to "follow the example of the troops on their left". 
General Humphreys is in error, when he states that "the greatest 
part of several regiments were captured with their colors", as only 
the one regiment was captured, and that almost entire ; but their 
colors did not fall into the enemy's hands. The other regiments 
lost but few members each. 



1864] PETERSBURG 279 

The Sixty-Ninth and Seventy-Second Regiments being on our 
right and seeing the fate that befell our regiment, moved off rapid- 
ly to the right and rear, saving their colors though losing some 
of their officers and men. A Brigade of the First Division of the 
Fifth Corps was quickly advanced, and checked the further ad- 
vance of the enemy, and together with the remnants of our Divi- 
sion, endeavored to recover our works and the lost ground ; but the 
enemy occupying our works refused to yield, turned upon us 
our own guns, repulsed our attempts to drive them back, and the 
conflict closed for the day. Early on the morning of the 23d our 
skirmishers advanced only to find that the enemy had vacated 
the works during the night, and being unable to remove the guns, 
spiked and left them. We found all of our dead stripped to the 
skin. 

This was the last engagement of the "Philadelphia Brigade", in 
fact, the Brigade may be said to have ceased to exist, the Seventy- 
First Regiment having been mustered out. The remnants of the 
other three regiments gathered together would not make a regi- 
ment; and what a strange coincidence in its life, that its first and 
last battles, "Ball's Bluff and Petersburg", should both result so 
disastrously, not only in killed and wounded and the capture of 
many of its members, but in the loss of one of its colors in each 
fight, that of the senior Regiment, the "Seventy-First", at Ball's 
Bluff, and that of the junior Regiment, the "One Hundred and 
Sixth", at Petersburg. Yet neither fell into the hands of the 
enemy. 

Finally the Brigade was ofificially disbanded on June 28th, by 
the transfer of the Sixty-Ninth, Seventy-Second and One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Regiments to the Third Brigade, and the One 
Hundred and Fifty-Second New York and One Hundred and 
Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania to the First Brigade, and the Fourth 
Brigade designated as the Second, thus taking from us our name 
and Brigade flag that we had fought under so long, in so many 
hard-fought battles, in which the flag was pierced by thirty-nine 
bullets, and giving both to a new Brigade that had seen but a 
month's active service, making them the Second Brigade of the 
Second Division of the Second Corps, that had such a brilliant 
record won by the three years' service and bitter fighting of the 



280 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

Philadelphia regiments. This was a severe blow to our officers 
and men, one that they keenly felt ; and they did not hesitate at 
all times to give expression to their feelings whenever General 
Gibbon was around, under whose order the change was made, 
which the men attributed to his antagonism to General Owen, 
whom he succeeded in removing from the command of this Bri- 
gade, and now robbed them of their good name and battle-scarred 
standard, which might have been left to them a few months longer, 
wdien their term of service would have expired. 

Our Division lost heavily in this unfortunate engagement — over 
1,700; 1,600 of them being prisoners of war; and our Regiment's 
loss was 92 in killed, wounded and prisoners, including Captains 
Tyler, Farr and Lieutenant Rose among those captured, leaving 
but one officer. Captain Britenbach, who commanded the Regi- 
ment, and twenty-eight men, many of the latter being non-com- 
batants. We also lost the four guns of McKnight's Battery. 

This may be said to be the saddest day in the history of the 
Corps. Nearly three thousand of its best men, that had with- 
stood the many dangers and fatigues of this, the most severe 
campaign of the war, now prisoners in the hands of the enemy, 
through the blunder of some one failing to properly execute the 
orders of our brave and efficient commander Hancock, then lying 
on his couch suffering from wounds that prevented his presence 
and guiding hand. And then the loss of four guns, the first and 
only guns lost in action by that grand old fighting corps, the 
Second, that had so successfully followed the lead of Sumner, 
Couch, Sedgwick, Warren and Hancock. On whom the respon- 
sibility for this blunder rested, or who was made to suft'er, the 
writer is unable to tell ; sufficient to say that Hancock at once 
assumed command of the Corps, and such a hrcese as was raised 
at his headquarters, when all the general officers were assembled 
there by his orders, the writer was seldom called upon to witness 
or hear, being principally directed against General Birney. On 
June 27th our Division was withdrawn from the front and sent 
back towards Prince George Court House, to protect the rear 
against the rebel cavalry scouting in our rear. On the 29th, the 
Division was recalled to the front, and placed in the works, re- 
lieving a portion of the Sixth Corps, who were sent to the relief 




Sergeant Isaac N. Hakvey. 
Feb. 2, 1862. "June 30, 1865. 

Re-enlisled, Dec. 29. 1863. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal, Sept. 1, 1864. 

Promoted to Sergeant, March 26, 1865. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Mustered out with Company, June 30, 1865. 



COMPANY K. 




Giles R. H.\lle:m. 
Nov. I, 1861. Nov. I, i£ 

Discharged, Nov. i, 1864. 



1864] PETERSBURG 281 

of the cavalry, hotly engaged at the Weldon Railroad. On July 
2d, we moved to the right, relieving a brigade of the First Divi- 
sion, and making room for the Sixth Corps to occupy their form- 
er position on our left. 

On July 5th, General Gibbon gave a dinner at his headquarters 
to his brother officers, in honor of his promotion to Major-Gen- 
eral. Generals Meade, Hancock, Burnside and Birney, were 
present ; also a band of music ; and had a gay time. 

On July 1 2th, the men were set to work leveling the works to 
the ground, preparatory to another movement to the left, which 
was made that afternoon ; and put into a new position at the cross 
roads, near the Williams House. On that day, the Fifteenth 
Massachusetts Regiment, whose term of service had expired, left 
for home. On the 13th, made another move near to the White 
House. Thus continually moving, skirmishing, and placed in 
such position as to keep the men under constant strain of excite- 
ment, submitted to continual danger, which rendered the men al- 
most unfit for duty, and they lost that enthusiasm necessary for 
successful campaigning. 

Bryant, speaking of the condition of the armies, at this time, 
says: 

After all its losses it (the Confederate) was nearly as strong as 
it was when it moved upon Grant in the Wilderness, foiled him at 
Spottsylvania, held him in check upon the North Anna, and defeated 
him upon the Chickahominy. The efficiency of the Federal army 
had in the meanwhile been greatly impaired. Its numbers had 
been kept up, but it had lost well-nigh half of its best officers and 
men. Not a few recruits brought in by enormous bounties, were 
poor material for soldiers. Even the tried veterans lacked much 
of their old determination. Now when, in the Weldon movement, 
the Second Corps, which had been recognised as the best in the 
army, fell back, losing more in missing than in killed and wounded, 
it became clear that there must be a pause for reorganisation and 
recuperation. (Italics ours.) 

General Gibbon, in his report of the services of his Division, 
from May 3d, to July 31st, states : 

That when the Division left its camp on May 3d, it consisted of 
three Brigades with 6,799 officers and men ; that it had been re- 
inforced by 4,263, making a total of 11,062, divided into four Bri- 



282 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

gades ; that it lost 77 officers and 971 men killed, 202 officers and 
3,825 men womided ; a total of 5,075. The Brigades had seventeen 
different commanders, of whom three were killed and six womid- 
ed. Of the 279 officers killed and wounded, forty were regimental 
commanders ; that many of the bravest and most efficient officers 
and men were among those who fell. The effect upon the 
troops of the loss of such leaders as Tyler, Webb, Carroll, 
Connor, Baxter, McKeen, Ramsey, Coons, Haskell, Porter, 
Murphy, McMahon, Curry, Macy, Pierce, Abbott, Davis Curtis, 
and a host of others, can be truly estimated only by one who has 
witnessed their conduct in the different battles. 

And Humphreys says: 

The names he mentions are those of General officers and regi- 
mental commanders, nearly all of whom I knew personally ; they 
were soldiers in every meaning of the word, gallant, skilful, and 
full of zeal and energy. 

The following extracts, from the private letters of an accom- 
plished officer of a Connecticut regiment, which were afterwards 
published in his biography, as he was subsequently killed in front 
of Richmond, and of whom his regimental commander wrote, 
that 

He was one of the brightest ornaments of the Volunteer service. 
A soldier without fear and without reproach. 

will give a good idea of our life in the trenches at Petersburg. 

A sharp cry at dead of night, more than once gave indication that 
some one had been wounded while asleep in his tent ; and casual- 
ties came to be so frequent that officers and men moved about with 
an ever-present consciousness that they might fall the next minute, 
and every nerve was kept on tension by this sense of personal peril, 
during the waking hours — hardly quieted even in sleep, when the 
patter of bullets gave shape to troubled dreams. 

Pickets were relieved only after nightfall, and there were times 
when no man at the advance posts, or even at the main works, 
could show himself by daylight save at the imminent risk of his 
life, so vigilant and accurate were the rebel sharpshooters. 

One evening the vedettes coming in when relieved, brought with 
them one of their number who had been mortally wounded at ten 
o'clock in the morning. He was still living, though his brain was 
oozing out of a bullet hole through the head. So sharp had been the 
fire, so positive the certainty of being hit with the slightest ex- 
posure, that it was impossible to move him. His companion would 
have done for him anything that man could do, but it was no use 



1864] PETERSBURG 283 

to make an attempt. Think of him spending the day in that rifle- 
pit with his dying friend, helpless, unable to lift his head without 
bringing certain death upon himself ! 

One of our men this morning, had his hair lifted by a bullet, 
fired, like many others, through one of the apertures of the para- 
pet ; another's face was grazed. As Colonel and I, were 

standing close to the parapet, a bullet struck it just in front of us, 
so near the top as to throw the dirt over tis. As I was coming 
up the hill towards our bomb-proof, another passed before my face 
so close, that I involuntarily threw back my head, feeling the wind 
of it. 

Speaking of the mortars he says : 

Mortar shelling at night is a beautiful sight. The burning fuse 
of each projectile marks its course for the whole distance of its 
flight. It rises like a rocket, sometimes a mile above the earth, at 
the highest point of its enormous curve, and descending one would 
think at a distance, as gently as a snow flake; but it strikes the 
earth with a concusssion which shakes the ground for many yards 
on every side, and explodes with a report like that of the mortar 
from which it came. One man who was killed, was sitting near 
the breastworks watching the shells. One came directly towards 
him ; those who stood near scattered, and called to him to hurry 
away ; but he gazed at it as if fascinated ; a moment more, and the 
shell tore him to fragments. 

The strain of excitement and of anxiety, the wear and tear of 
such work as ours began to tell upon me. Not that I am breaking 
down under it, or ready to abandon the task which must be ac- 
complished, but I am beginning to long for the end on personal as 
well as patriotic grounds. 

General Humphreys thus describes the effect of that continual 
marching, fighting and exposure : 

The incessant movements, day and night, for so long a period, 
the constant close contact with the enemy during all that time, the 
almost daily assaults upon entrenchments having entanglements in 
front, and defended by artillery and musketry in front and flank, 
exhausted officers and men. The larger part of the officers, who 
literally led their commands, were killed or wounded, and a large 
number of those that filled the ranks at the beginning of the 
campaign were absent. 

This well describes the experiences and feelings of our Brigade 
not only at Petersburg, but equally as well at Cold Harbor, North 
Anna and Spottsylvania, and there was need of a rest and re- 
cuperation. 



284 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

HOME AGAIN. 

AN order was issued that regiments having only about thirty 
days to serve, were to be reHeved from the front, and sent 
to garrison the fortifications around Washington, for the 
balance of their time. In accordance with that order, our Regi- 
ment and the Seventy-Second, received orders on July 20th to 
proceed at once to Washington to report to General Halleck. 
Companies F, H and K, of the One Hundred and Sixth Penn- 
sylvania, were organized into a Battalion, to be known as the One 
Hundred and Sixth Battalion, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, 
and all the re-enlisted men and the recruits that had recently join- 
ed the Regiment, and those whose time did not expire for a few 
months, were transferred to these three companies, and the Bat- 
talion assigned for field service, to the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, 
then under the command of Colonel William Davis. And the 
re-enlisted men and recruits of the Seventy-Second Regiment, 
were transferred to the One Hundred and Eighty-Third Penn- 
sylvania, now commanded by Colonel James C. Lynch, who had 
been recently promoted from Captain of Company B, One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Pennsylvania, for gallant and efficient services, 
while serving on the staff of General Gibbon. 

Early on the morning of July 21st, the two regiments bade 
farewell to their comrades, Petersburg, and the surroundings 
of active field service, and marched to City Point, where they 
were placed on transports, and in the afternoon started down the 
river, and after three days' journey down the James river, around 
Fort Monroe, and up the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac river, 
arrived at Washington, D. C, on the 24th, and were assigned to 
General De Russey's Division and sent to Arlington Heights for 
guard and picket duty. 

Here the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania remained until 
August 28th, receiving additions from hospitals of those con- 



1864] HOME AGAIN 285 

valescent from wounds or sickness, when we left for home; 
marched over the Long Bridge to Washington, thence to the 
"Soldiers' Retreat", where we remained until 5 o'clock, receiving 
our dinner and supper ; boarded the train, and at 6 o'clock- moved 
out on the track a short distance, and after dark started for Phil- 
adelphia ; arrived at Baltimore about 10 o'clock, formed and 
marched to the Philadelphia Depot via Pratt and President Streets, 
and at half past 1 1 o'clock started north ; about 6 o'clock the next 
morning arrived at Wilmington, Del., and at 8 o'clock steamed 
into the depot at Philadelphia. We were marched to the Cooper- 
shop Refreshment Saloon, where we cleaned up and sat down to 
breakfast. This was the first full and decent meal that was ever 
served to us, during our whole three years' service, and we ap- 
preciated it and did it full justice. God bless the noble-hearted 
men and women who gave their time and their means, and labor- 
ed so hard, and treated our comrades so well. Their praise has 
been sung throughout our whole land. Go where you will and 
tell an old soldier that you are from Philadelphia, and he will 
shake you by the hand and say, "I remember that good city, and 
how they fed and treated us, as we passed through during the war, 
or attended us when in the hospitals. It was the only city that 
treated us like men". 

In the afternoon, we were escorted through the streets of the 
city by the Seventy-Second Regiment, who returned home August 
nth, and the "Henry Guards". We were then dismissed, with 
orders to hold ourselves in readiness to report for muster out and 
pay. After many delays, we were finally mustered out of the 
United States' service September loth, 1864, and the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Pennsylvania became one of the things of the 
past ; leaving behind it a record to be proud of, and unsurpassed. 



286 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 



CHAPTER XXV. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION. 

THE writer having been mustered out with the Regiment, and 
therefore leaving the front with it on July 20th, 1864, 
cannot from personal observation give an account of the 
services of the Battalion, from that time until the war closed and 
their final muster out on June 30, 1865. Some few of the facts 
herein presented were obtained from private letters from those 
who remained with the Battalion. As it is impossible to give all 
the movements of so small a body of troops, the writer will 
merely give a brief outline of the movements of the Division 
to which it was attached, for which he is mostly indebted to Gen- 
eral Humphreys' book, "The Virginia Campaign of 1864 and 
1865", as the Battalion accompanied it in all its movements and 
participated with it in all its engagements. 

As has been stated the three Companies, F, H and K, were con- 
solidated into a Battalion, under the command of Captain Frank 
Wessels, but he being on staff duty, Lieutenant John Irwin was 
placed in command, and assigned for field service, to the Sixty- 
Ninth Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel William Davis, and 
constituted part of the Third Brigade of the Second Division of 
the Second Corps, and participated in all the marches and actions 
of that Division until the close of the Rebellion. 

Before daylight on July 27th, the Corps crossed the James 
river on the lower pontoon bridge at Deep Bottom, followed by 
the cavalry, for the purpose of making a direct attack on Rich- 
mond, if a sudden dash of the cavalry could demonstrate it was 
practicable. As soon as it was light, an assault was made on the 
enemy's advance lines at Bailey's Creek by Barlow's Division 
(First), and the works carried by a Brigade commanded by Col- 
onel James C. Lynch of the One Hundred and Eighty-Third 
Pennsylvania, fomerly of the One Hundred and Sixth, capturing 



1864] ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 287 

a four-gun battery of 20-pounder Parrott on the New Market 
road. The whole Hne was actively engaged during the day ; but 
the cavalry on the right were so overpowered by the large force 
of infantry thrown against them, that they were thrown back, 
so that no other advantage was gained, and that night Mott's 
Division recrossed, and the next night, July 29th, the remainder 
of the Corps and Cavalry recrossed, and was placed in position 
on the right of Burnside's Corps (near the position first occupied 
by the Second Division upon its first arrival in front of Peters- 
burg on the night of June 15th), as support to them upon the 
explosion of the mine, which was to take place at daylight the 
next morning. 

The mine was built upon the proposition of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants, commanding the Forty-Eighth Pennsylvania, a regi- 
ment composed chiefly of miners from Schuylkill County, Pa., 
Colonel Pleasants being a skillful and experienced mining engin- 
eer. It consisted of a "main gallery 511 feet long, and two 
lateral galleries, 37 and 38 feet. There were eight magazines, 
each of which was charged with one thousand pounds of powder". 
The work was commenced the latter part of June and finished 
ready for charging by July 23d. 

About half-past four in the morning of July 30th, the mine 
was exploded and Burnside advanced one of his Divisions, under 
General Ledlie, but their failure to properly execute the orders 
given them, resulted in very little good, as by the time they made 
the assault, which was very poorly attempted, the enemy had re- 
covered from their surprise and alarm, and hurried reinforce- 
ments forward and repulsed all attempts to carry their lines. So 
apparent was the failure to execute the orders given them by 
General Meade, that a Court of Inquiry was held, and General 
Burnside, his two Division commanders. Generals Ledlie and 
Ferrero, and Colonel Z. R. Bliss, commanding Brigade, were 
severely censured, and General Wilcox, commanding the remain- 
ing Division, for lack of energy. On these accounts, instead of 
the mine proving a great benefit by which great results could be 
accomplished, it was a hopeless failure, incurring a loss of 4,500 
men, of whom about 400 were killed, in addition to the expense 
and labor of constructing- it. 



288 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

That night the Second Division was moved to the left, back to 
the same position it held when the One Hundred and Sixth parted 
from it. 

Grant was determined on another attack on Richmond from 
the north side of the James, and on August 13th, the Second Corps, 
two divisions of the Tenth Corps, under General Birney, and a 
division of cavalry, under Gregg, the whole under General Han- 
cock, marched to City Point and took transports, and on the 14th 
steamed down the river ; but this was only a deception, for as soon 
as it was dark they turned around and steamed up the river, and 
landed at Deep Bottom about daylight. Line was soon formed, 
the Tenth Corps on the right. After considerable skirmishing, 
strenuous efforts were made to carry the entrenchments, but with- 
out success, first by Birney, on the right, and then by two brigades 
of Barlow's Division ; and about 4 o'clock in the afternoon an- 
other attempt was made by the First Brigade of the Second Divi- 
sion, but with no better success, owing principally to the depth 
of Bailey's Creek, which at that point, near Fussel's Mills, was 
about twenty yards wide, and so deep that some of the men were 
drowned in their attempt to cross. 

On the i6th, Birney made another attempt, and advanced Terry's 
Division of his Corps, a Brigade of Mott's Division and a Brigade 
of colored troops, and succeeded in carrying the works, capturing 
about 300 prisoners and three colors, but could not hold the 
works and retired. Hancock was kept on the north side of the 
James until the night of the 20th, making no further assaults, but 
subjected to heavy skirmishing all the time ; then returned to his 
former position, near Petersburg, having lost 321 killed, 1840 
wounded, and 625 missing; total, 2,786. Among those wounded 
of the Second Division, was Colonel Macy, of the Twentieth 
Massachusetts, commanding the First Brigade. 

Marching all night of the 20th, the Divisions of Barlow and 
Smyth, First and Second, arrived in camp early on the morning 
of the 2 1st, with only a few hours rest moved on to the Strong 
House, west of the Jerusalem road, and in the afternoon again 
moved still further to the left, to the Gurley House, to support 
General Warren on the Weldon Railroad. This march was very 
hard on the men. Hancock says : 



1S64] ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 289 

It was one of the most fatiguing and difficult performed by the 
troops during the campaign, owing to the wretched condition of 
the roads. 

To Hancock was assigned the task of destroying the Weldon 
Railroad as far south as Rowanty Creek, and he at once com- 
menced. By the 23d he had got as far as Ream's Station, and at 
night of the 24th, three miles further to Malone's cross roads. 
By this time, Lee thought it was about time to put a stop to the 
destruction of this important line of supply for his forces at 
Petersburg, and at once sent A. P. Hill with about 10,000 men to 
resist, and on the afternoon of the 25th, Hill attacked Hancock, 
who learning of Hill's advance, had returned to Ream's Station, 
and occupied the hastily constructed works, extending across the 
railroad in the shape of a horseshoe ; the assault was directed 
against this part of the line occupied by Miles, who then com- 
manded the First Division, which occupied the right of the line, 
and that portion which extended across the railroad ; this part of 
his line giving way, the Rebels secured the works and nine guns, 
and crossing the railroad, captured the balance of Miles' works 
and McKnight's Battery. General Gibbon had returned and 
assumed command of the Second Division, which occupied the 
left of the line of works, and they were obliged to change front 
and occupy the reverse side of their works. Things at that 
time looked critical, when Colonel James C. Lynch, of the One 
Hundred and Eighty-Third Pennsylvania, who commanded a 
Brigade of Miles' Division, rallied a portion of his command, 
charged and recaptured most of his line and McKnight's Battery. 
Gibbon was then attacked and driven from his position, so that 
Hancock was compelled to withdraw his whole command back 
to another position, on the road running to the Jerusalem Plank 
road, and there he resisted all the efforts of the enemy to dis- 
lodge him, and the contest ended. This was the worst defeat 
ever experienced by the gallant Second Corps, and Hancock at- 
tributes it: 

Principally to their great fatigue and to their heavy losses dur- 
ing the campaign, especially in officers, and then several of the 
regiments were largely made up of recruits and substitutes. 



290 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

His losses were 600 killed and wounded, and 1,762 missing; total 
2,372, nine guns and several colors. 

Owing to the absence, on account of wounds and sickness, of 
large numbers of those who had entered the service in the early 
part of the war, these raw recruits in some cases formed a large 
majority of those present for duty in old regiments of high reputa- 
tion, and sometimes completely changed their character tempor- 
arily, and not only the character of regiments, but even of brigades 
and divisions. The large bounties paid volunteers and substitutes, 
amounting in some places, to a thousand dollars or more, had a 
very injurious effect upon the army, for it brought to its ranks many 
men who were actuated by very different motives from those that 
had influenced the men who had voluntarily filled the ranks before, 
and the veterans that now re-enlisted. 

Among those wounded, was Colonel William Davis, command- 
ing the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania, to which was assigned the One 
Hundred and Sixth Battalion. He also had his horse shot from 
under him. 

The troops were then set to work entrenching the new line 
front and rear, occupying all of September and part of October. 

On October 25th, another advance on L6e's right flank was com- 
menced. Gibbon's Division, then commanded by General Egan, 
moved on the 26th to the left, in rear of the entrenchments, to 
the Weldon Railroad, and on the 27th reached Hatcher's Run, 
at daylight. Soon after, the Third Brigade, commanded by Gen- 
eral Smyth, to which the One Hundred and Sixth Battalion was 
attached, waded the run waist deep, charged the enemy's works, 
and carried them, then continued on past Dabney's Mills, and 
struck the Boydton Plank road, near Burgess' Tavern, and en- 
countered the enemy on the White Oak road. Smyth's Brigade 
again drove the enemy back, along the Boydton road, across Hat- 
cher's Run ; there the Division was put into position on each side 
of the road, ready for action. Soon the Division was advanced, 
carried the bridge across the run, captured a gun, and were press- 
ing on to the heights beyond, when Malione in force, attacked 
Hancock's right flank, and drove them back. Egan halted his 
advance, changed front, and with his entire command, fell upon 
Mahone and drove him with heavy loss, and in confusion, from 
his position, capturing two colors and a number of prisoners, and 



1865] ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 291 

recaptured the two guns that Mahone had taken a short time be- 
fore. After a brisk attack on Hancock's left, night put an end 
to the contest, and during the night Hancock withdrew to his 
former position, across the Weldon Railroad, and for want of 
ambulances, was compelled to leave about 250 wounded behind, 
at the Rainey House, detailing surgeons to look after their needs. 
His loss was, 123 killed, 734 wounded and 625 missing; total,. 
1481. This was the last engagement of the Corps that year, and 
they went into winter quarters in the entrenchments, west of the 
Weldon Railroad. 

Early in February, 1865, with Major General A. A. Hum- 
phreys in command of the Corps, and Brigadier General Thomas 
A. Smyth commanding the Division, moved to support the move- 
ment of the cavalry to the left, to intercept the supply trains of 
the enemy, and were put into position at the crossing of Hatch- 
er's Run, by the Vaughan road, and at Armstrong's Mills, about 
a mile further up the Run. Smyth's Division being at the latter 
place. On February 5th, about 5 o'clock in the afternoon of 
that day, the enemy attacked Smyth, but was soon repulsed, and 
sent in haste back to their line. Continual picket firing and skir- 
mishing, but no advance was made by either side, until March 
25th, when General Humphreys learning of the attack on Fort 
Steadman, made a counter attack on the works in his front, and 
carried their entrenched picket lines and resisted all the enemy's 
efforts to retake them. This proved a valuable point gained for 
the subsequent movements. 

On the night of March 28th, General Ord, who had been placed 
in command of the Army of the James, arrived in rear of the posi- 
tion held by the Second Corps, with his army secretly withdrawn 
from the extreme right ; a part of which, consisted of the new 
Corps, the Twenty- Fourth, to the command of which Major- 
General John Gibbon, who had so long commanded the Second 
Division of the Second Corps, was assigned. 

The next morning the Second Corps advanced across Hatcher's 
Run by the Vaughan road until connecting with the Fifth Corps 
on the left. On the 30th we continued to advance, driving in 
the enemy's skirmishers, back to the Boydton Plank road, and 
before daylight on the 31st, the First Division under General 



292 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

Miles was advanced, and relieved Griffin's Division of the Fifth 
Corps, near the White Oak road. During the day, Warren's 
Corps, the Fifth, were forced back by the enemy from their posi- 
tion on the White Oak road, across a creek, a branch of Gravelly 
Run, near to the position to which Miles' Division had been ad- 
vanced. Humphreys then advanced his whole Corps to support 
Warren. ]\Iiles succeeded in turning the enemy's left, and War- 
ren soon after regained his lost ground. The assault of the other 
two Divisions of Humphrey's Corps, the Second, upon the works 
in their front on the Boydton road, and near the Crow House, 
was not successful. 

Late in the afternoon of April ist. General Sheridan having 
been successful at Five Forks, General Humphreys was ordered 
to feel the enemy in his front, and if a weak point was found, 
to assault. He opened a heavy artillery fire upon their works, 
and Miles' and Mott's Divisions were advanced, but only succeed- 
ed in driving in the enemy's pickets. The artillery fire was, 
however, kept up until night. 

At daylight on the 2d, General Wright with his Corps, the 
Sixth, assaulted the works in front of Forts Fisher and Welsh 
and carried them, driving the enemy back across the Boydton 
road, to the South Side Railroad. General Gibbon then advanced 
his Corps, the Twenty-Fourth, towards the Whitworth House. 
General Humphreys was then directed to assault the works in his 
front, and General Hays, who then commanded the Second Divi- 
sion, charged and captured the redoubts at the Court House, and 
later Mott's Division captured those near Burgess' Mill. Con- 
tinuing the advance through the night. Miles' Division came upon 
the retreating enemy near Sutherland Station on the South Side 
Railroad, and attacked them in their hastily constructed works, and 
after two repulses, succeeded in turning their right flank and forc- 
ing them from their position in great confusion ; captured 100 
prisoners, one color and ten guns. General Gibbon had assaulted 
with his Corps Forts Gregg and Whitworth, and after some fight- 
ing carried them both, capturing a number of prisoners. 

General Lee. finding himself unable to maintain his positions 
at Richmond and Petersburg, decided at once to abandon them, 
which he did on the night of April 2d, so that early on the morn- 



1865] ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 293 

ing of the 3d, General Wilcox took possession of Petersburg, and 
at 8 o'clock General Weitzel took possession of Richmond. 

Early on the 3d, Humphrey's Corps, the Second, pushed for- 
ward after the retreating enemy, following up Sheridan towards 
Amelia Court House, where it was found Lee was concentrating. 
About 2 o'clock in the afternoon of April 5th, arrived at Jeters- 
ville, about eight miles south of Amelia Court House, and was put 
into position on the left of the Fifth Corps. Large working 
parties of the Corps were at work on the roads during the 3d, 4th, 
and 5th, as they were almost impassable for wagons, owing to the 
heavy rains. 

Early on the morning of the 6th, the advance was continued; 
after travelling about four miles, General Humphreys discovered 
the enemy moving in columns westward, north of Flat Creek. 
Miles opened upon them with his artillery, and soon after General 
Meade directed Humphreys to cross the creek, which the men did 
by wading up to their armpits, and for nearly fifteen miles a 
running fight was kept up with the rear guard of Lee's army, 
carrying several partially entrenched positions, and at 6 o'clock 
had a sharp engagement at Sailor's Creek, again drove them, 
capturing thirteen flags, three guns, and several hundred pris- 
oners, crossing the creek and forcing them from their selected 
position ; until night put a stop to further pursuit. The Corps 
captured that day, thirteen flags, four guns, and 1,700 prisoners, 
and suffered a loss of 311, including General Mott wounded. 
General Barlow again reported for duty and was placed in com- 
mand of the Second Division. 

That same day the Sixth Corps assaulted the position held by 
Ewell, carried it, captured General Ewell and his entire command, 
including five other General officers, so that he lost that day, by 
the assaults of the Second and Sixth Corps, about 8,000 men. 

At half past five on the 7th, the pursuit was continued. Upon 
arriving at High Bridge, Barlow, who was in the advance, pushed 
forward at double-qviick, and secured the wagon road bridge, 
driving back the enemy there found, who returned reinforced, and 
endeavored to drive back Barlow and destroy the bridge. This 
they were unable to do, and the whole Second Corps crossed. Hum- 
phreys then moved, with the First and Third Divisions, towards 



294 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT [1864 

Lynchburg and sent Barlow on to Farmville, where the enemy 
were found in large force. Barlow again attacked, cut off a 
number of wagons and burned them, but lost General Thomas A. 
Smyth, commanding the Third Brigade, to which the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth Battalion was attached, he being severely wounded. 
Humphreys came up with Lee's entire force near Lynchburg, 
and expecting the co-operation of the Sixth and Twenty-Fourth 
Corps on the right at Farmville, as per arrangements, attacked in 
force but Avas repulsed ; then remained quiet until night. General 
Humphreys speaks of his Corps that day and says : 

Nothing could have been finer than the spirit and promptness 
of the men ; all the commanding officers were at the head of their 
commands, literally leading them. 

It was then that the first letter from General Grant to General 
Lee, asking for his surrender, passed through the lines of the 
Second Corps ; the reply from General Lee was received the same 
night. 

At half past five on the 8th, the pursuit was continued by the 
Second Corps, followed by the Sixth, and while on the march, 
Grant's second letter was sent to Lee through General Hum- 
phreys, and at dark Lee's reply received. They marched that day 
about twenty miles. After a few hours rest the march was con- 
tinued, and six more miles made ; when about midnight halted 
until morning. 

Early on the morning of the 9th, General Humphreys sent an- 
other letter of Grant's to Lee, and at half past ten continued his 
advance, when he received two verbal requests from General Lee, 
asking that further operations be suspended, as negotiations were 
going forward for a surrender. Humphreys replied he could 
not comply with those requests, as he had received no such author- 
ity from either General Meade or General Grant, and continued 
to press forward, and at 11 o'clock came upon Longstreet's com- 
mand, entrenched in the vicinity of Appomattox Court House, 
and formed for the attack, the Sixth Corps on his right ; when 
just as they were about to begin the assault. General Meade ar- 
rived and suspended operations, and granted General Lee a truce, 
for an hour, in view of the negotiations for a surrender, which 



1865] ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH BATTALION 295 

was consummated that day. Generals Grant and Lee met about 
I o'clock. The preliminaries were completed, and at 4 o'clock 
in the afternoon of April 9, 1865, the Army of Northern Virginia 
formally surrendered to the Army of the Potomac. The follow- 
ing is the number of officers and men, who were paroled not to 
again take up arms against the United States, until regularly ex- 
changed : 

OMcers. Men. Total. 

General Lee and Staff.... 15 15 

Infantry 2,235 20,085 22,320 

Cavalry 132 1,654 1786 

Artillery 192 2,394 2,586 

Detachments 288 1,361 1,646 

2,862 25,494 28,356 

On April 25th, General Johnston's army surrendered and the 
other armies soon followed, and the War of the Rebellion was 
ended. 

The Army of the Potomac was marched to Washington, where 
they were reviewed by President Johnson, and soon after mustered 
out of the service. The One Hundred and Sixth Battalion being 
mustered out June 30th, 1865. 














_ Sunt** 




vVLB» 



<" ^ur (!;innmaniWrxV, ) 



DESIGNED BY JOS. R. C. WARD. 

PICTORIAL HISTOkV OF PHILADELPHIA BRIGADE. 
Four Brigade Commanders Three Corps Commanders. 



COPYRIGHTED. 



Three Division Commanders. 



Four Array Commanders. 



ROSTER 



OF THE 



ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 



The following roster of the Regiment has been prepared with 
much care, and is as free from error as was possible under the 
circumstances. The roster in Bates' History of Pennsylvania 
Volunteers was found to be very imperfect, (nearly two hundred 
names being omitted, including many vv^ho died or were killed 
in action, while not one-fourth of the wounded were so marked.) 

After exhausting the records at Harrisburg, application was 
made to the War Department at Washington, D. C. This re- 
sulted in no better success, for the Assistant Adjutant-General, 
U. S. A., declared "The records of this office were not furnished 
for historical purposes". 

The only resource left was continued correspondence with mem- 
bers of the Regiment and constant comparison and revision. 
Nearly ten 3^ears have been devoted to this labor, and the follow- 
ing is the result. Few deficiencies may still exist, but these 
cannot, at this date, be supplied. Some who were wounded in 
different engagements were never so reported, and hence are 
not so credited in this roster. 

The compiler asks the kind indulgence of his comrades, and 
submits this roster as being as nearly correct as is now possible 
to be made. 



298 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



FIELD AND STAFF. 

Corrected from copy of original muster-out roll kindly loaned by Adjutant John A. Steel. 



Name and Rank. 



Colonel. 
Turner G. Morehead, 

William L. Curry, 



Lieutenant-Colonel. 
William L. Curry, 
John J. Sperry, 



Major. 
John H. Stover, 
John J. Sperry, 

John R. Breitenbach, 



Adjutants. 
Ferdinand M. Pleis, 



John A. Steel, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 861, 
Nov. 16, " 



Quartermasters. 
Harry S. Camhlos, 
Wyndham H. Stokes, 



Surgeon. 
Justin Dwindle, 



Aug. 8, " 



Nov. 5, 
Aug. 8, 

" 27. 



" 28, 



28 
28 



Sept. I, 



Remarks. 



Discharged by Special Order Apr. 5, '64. 
Appointed to Brigadier General Mar. 15, '65. 
As Lieutenant-Colonel. 
Captured at Fair Oaks, Va., June 9, '62. 
Prisoner from June 9. '62 to Sept. 4, '62. 
Promoted to Colonel April 5, '64. Not must'd. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 11, '64. 
Died at Washington, D. C, July 7, '64. 

Wounds. 
Buried in South Laurel Hill Cemetery, Phila. 

Promoted to Colonel April 5, '64. Not must'd. 
As Captain Company A. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, '63. 
Promoted to Major April 5, '64. Not must'd. 
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel July 8, '64. 

Not mustered. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to Colonel 184th Penna. Apr. 4, '64. 
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel July 8, '64. 

Not mustered. 
As Captain Company G. 
Wounded at Gettysburg July 2, '63. 
Promoted to Major July 8, '64. Not must'd. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 

Wounded at Gettysburg July 2, '63. 

Died at Philadelphia Aug. 2, '63. Wounds. 

Buried at Monument Cemetery, Philadelphia. 

As 2d Lieutenant Company C. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Co. B Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Promoted to Adjutant Aug. 15, '63. 

Acting Asst. Adj. Gen. 2d Brigade, 2d Div. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 18, '64. 

Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 

Discharged June 30, '62. Resignation. 
As 1st Lieutenant Company E. 
Promoted to Quartermaster June 30, '62. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 

Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 



FIELD AND STAFF 



299 





date of 


Name and Rank. 


ENLISTMENT. 


Assistant Surgeons. 
Philip Leidy, 
Hugh Alexander, 


Nov. 

Aug. 


I, 1861, 
4, 1862, 


Erasmus D. Gates, 


Sept. 


13, " 


Henry D. McLean, 


Nov. 


5, " 


Chaplain. 
William C. Harris, 


Nov. 


I, 1861 


Sergeant Majors. 
Theodore Wharton, 


Aug. 


28, " 


James C. Biggs, 


Sept. 


17, " 


William A. Hagy, 


" 


24, " 


James D. Tyler, 


Aug. 


26, " 


William H. Neiler, 


Sept. 


2, " 


Quartermaster Sergts. 
Samuel L. Hibbs, 


Aug. 


28, " 


William M. Casey, 




17, " 


William M. Mehl, 


Apr. 


3, 1862, 


Commissary Sergeant. 
Jacob Roop, 


Aug. 


28, 1861, 


Hospital Steward. 
Richard S. Allen, 


u 


28, •' 


Ralph B. Clarke, 


Aug. 


12, 1862, 


Principal Musician. 






Lewis W. Grantier, 


Feb. 


28, 1862, 


Fife Major. 
Hiram W. Landon, 


(( 


2, " 



Remarks. 



Discharged G. O. Sept. 6, '62. 

As Private Company B. 

Promoted to Assistant Surgeon Aug. 4, '62. 

Discharged S. O. Oct. 21, '62. 

Transferred to io6th Battalion. 

Discharged S. O. Dec. 5, '63. 

Discharged Oct. 31, '62. Resignation. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. I May i, '62. 
As Sergeant Company H. 
Promoted Sergeant-Major May i, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieut. Co. F Sept. 19, '62 
As 1st Sergeant Co. L 
Promoted to Sergeant-Major Sept. 19, '62. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. G Mar. i,'63. 
As Private Company D. 
Detailed as Telegraph Operator Dec. i, '61. 
Captured at Harper's Ferry, Va., Sept. 12, '62. 
.Escaped in a few days and joined Regiment. 
Promoted to Sergeant-Major March i, '6;^. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Jan. 15, '64. 
Mustered out Aug. 26, '64. 
As Corporal Company C. 
Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Jan. i, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant Major May i, '64. 
Transferred to io6th Battalion. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. I Sept. 6, '62. 

As Private Company A. 

Promoted to Quartermaster Sergt. Sept. 2, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. A Mar. i, '63. 

As Private Company E. 

Promoted to Quartermaster Sergt. Mar. I, '63. 

Transferred to io6th Battalion. 

Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private Company B. 

Appointed Acting Hospital Steward. 

Died at Camp Observation, Md., Dec. 17, '62. 

Transferred to io6th Battalion. 



As Musician Company K. 

Promoted Principal Musician Nov. i. 

Transferred to io6th Battalion. 



'63. 



Died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Sept. 24, '62. 



300 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



REGIMENTAL BAND. 



Name and Rank. 


DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 




Remarks. 


Leader. 
Fridoline, Stopper 


Oct. 7, 1861, 


Discharged June 18, '62 by General Orders. 


1st Class Musicians. 
Stopper, Felix 
Smith, Martin 
Riley, John 
Eckert, Charles 


" 7, " 
" 7, " 

u ^^ u 

7, " 






2d Class. 
Stipe, Thomas 
Hale, Ephraim R. 
Aten, Henry J. 
Hofifman, George W. 


7, " 
" 7, " 
" 7, " 

7, " 




Discharged Aug. 8, '62, by General Orders. 


3d Class. 
Stipe, Anthony 
Jones, George W. 
Patton, Joseph R. 
Riley, Thomas 
Zeiler, Chas. M. 
Gross, Charles 
Rawn, Edwin 
Werline, David R. 


7, 

" 7, " 
" 7, " 

7. 

7, '' 
" 7, " 
" 7, " 







FIELD AND STAFF OF BATTALION 



301 



FIELD AND STAFF 106th BATTALION. 

This Roll has been made up from the Company Rolls. 



Name and Rank. 



Lietuenant-C olonel. 
John H. Gallagher, 



Francis Wessels, 



Major. 
Ralph B. Clarke, 

Ad infant. 
Ralph B. Clarke, 



Quartermaster. 
Ellis Coder, 



Assistant Surgeon. 
Erasmus D. Gates, 

Sergeant Majors. 
Wm. H. Neiler, 
Edward J. Lathrop, 



James C. Reynolds, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 8, 1 86 1, 
Feb. 28, 1862, 

Aug. 17, " 
Aug 12, 1861, 

" 28 " 

Sept. 13, 1862, 

Aug. 14, " 
" 28 " 



Remarks. 



As 1st Lieutenant Company A. 

Promoted to Captain Company K Jan. 26, '65. 

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel May 27, '65. 

Not mustered. 
Promoted to Colonel June 23, '65. Not niust'd. 
Mustered out as Captain Co. K June 30, '65. 
As 2d Lieutenant Company K. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 15, '62. 
Promoted to Captain May i, '63. 
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel May 27, '65. 

Not mustered. 
Mustered out as Captain Co. H June 30, '65. 

Mustered out as Adjutant June 30, '65. 



As Hospital SteWard. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. K Oct. 8, '64. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Co. K Oct. 31, '64. 
Promoted to Adjutant Jan. 24, '65. 
Commissioned Major June 23, '65. Not must'd. 
Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 

As Private Company F. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Promoted to Quartermaster Dec. i, '64. 
Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 



Discharged June 15, '65. 



Discharged Sept. 2, '64. 

As Corporal Company F. 

Promoted to Sergeant Major Sept. 7, '64. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Co. K Jan. 24, '65. 

As Private Company B. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '62,. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Trans, to Co. H. to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to Sergeant. 

Promoted to Sergeant Major Jan. 24, '65. 

Com. 1st Lieut. Co. H June 8, '65. Not must'd. 

Com. Captain Co. H June 22, '65. Not must'd. 

Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 



302 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Quartermaster Sergts. 
William M. Mehl, 
Charles Rettew, 



Commissary Sergeants 
Giles M. Coons, 



Frederick Weiderman, 



Hospital Stezvards. 
Ralph B. Clarke, 
Charles H. Weinert, 



Ptincipal Musicians. 
Lewis W. Grantier, 
Charles T. Whitcomb, 



Charles Sims, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



April 3, 1862, 
Mar. 7, 1864, 



Nov. I, 1861, 



Sept. 17, 



Aug. 12, 
Sept. 23, 



Feb. 28, 1862, 
Aug. II, " 



Feb. 16, 1864, 



Remarks. 



Discharged Apr. 16, '65. 

As Private Company A. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to Quartermaster Sergt. Apr. 16, '65. 

Com. 1st Lieut. Co. K June 8, '65. Not must'd. 

Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 

As Private Company D. 
Promoted to Corporal July 11, '62. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Promoted to Commissary Sergeant Oct. i, '64. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
As Private Company H. 
Promoted to Corporal May i, '62. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant Apr. 9, '63. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Re-enlisted Mar. 27, '64. Veteran. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 
Promoted to Commissary Sergeant Nov. I, '64. 
Com. 2d Lieut. Co. H June 8, '65. Not must'd. 
Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. K Oct. 8, '64. 
As Private Company C. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal Mar. i, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Promoted to Hospital Steward Oct. 10, '64. 
Com. 2d Lieut. Co. F June 8, '65. Not must'd. 
Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 

Discharged Feb. 28, '65. 

As Private Company D. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to Principal Musician Mar. i, '65. 

Discharged June 13, '65. G. O. 

As Private Company H. 

Promoted to Principal Musician June 13, '65. 

Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 



COMPANY A 303 



COMPANY A. 

This Company was recruited in Philadelphia by Captain John 
J. Sperry and Lieutenant James C. Lynch, and camped at Bull's 
Head, West Philadelphia. Was mustered into the United States' 
Service August 17th, 1861, and left Philadelphia in the early part 
of September, under orders of Colonel Baker to report at Wash- 
ington, to guard the camp of the First California Regiment, that 
had been advanced into Virginia, and was then designated as 
Company S of that Regiment ; subsequently joining that Regiment 
at Camp Advance, Va., and participating with it in the skirmish 
attending the movement of General W. F. Smith, towards Drains- 
ville, Va. ; and upon the rendezvous of the Brigade at Poolesville, 
Md., and the arrival of this Regiment from Philadelphia, in 
October, it was then assigned to it, and became Company A of 
the Fifth California Regiment, which was afterwards known as 
the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

The Company numbered originally three officers and ninety- 
nine men; received in December one officer, and in 1864, six men, 
making a total of one hundred and nine. Of these one officer and 
ten men were killed in action, four officers and forty-three men 
wounded and five men captured, three died of disease contracted 
in the service and two of wounds and one in a Rebel prison, one 
officer and eighteen men discharged for disability and four on 
account of wounds, one officer for promotion and one officer re- 
signed, fifteen men deserted, twelve re-enlisted as veterans, two 
dishonorably discharged, six transferred to Veteran Reserve 
Corps and four to United States Artillery ; leaving one officer and 
nineteen men that were mustered out with the Company Septem- 
ber loth, 1864. 

[Assisted in correcting the roll of this Company by Captain James C. 
Lynch, and William H. Brady.] 



304 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY A. 



Name and Rank. 



Captain. 
John J. Sperry, 



Charles S. Schwartz, 



1st Lieutenants. 
William S. White, 
James C. Lynch, 
Charles S. Schwartz, 
John H. Gallagher, 



2d Lieutenants. 
James C. Lynch, 
Clinton Shock. 
Charles S. Schwartz, 
William M. Casey, 



Jacob Y. Ely, 

1st Sergeants. 
Charles S. Schwartz, 
Joseph J. B. Strohm. 



John H. Gallagher. 
Charles H. Murdock, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 8, 1861, 



Remarks. 



12, 



Jan. 31, 1862, 

Aug. 8, 1861, 

" 12, " 



14- 



14, 



12, 
13, 



Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3. '63. 
Com. Major April 5, '64. Not mustered. 
Com. Lieut-Col. July 8, '64. Not mustered. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
As 1st Sergeant. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Nov. i, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant March i, '63. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Promoted to Captain April 5, '64. Not niust'd. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, '64. 
Buried Wilderness Bur'l G'd, Grave — , Sec. — . 

Discharged Oct. 31, '61. Disability. 
Promoted to Captain Co. B Jan. 4, '63. 
Promoted to Captain April 5, "64. Not must'd. 
As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Dec. i, '63. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 15, '64. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Nov. i, '61. 
Discharged Nov. i, '62. Resignation. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Mar. i, '63. 
As Private. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Pro. to Quartermaster Sergeant Sept. 6, '62. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Mar. i, '63. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '6^. 
Discharged Dec. 15, '63. Wounds. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 



Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Nov. i, '62. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. i, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va.. Dec. 13, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Killed at Hatcher's Run. Va., Mar. 25, '65. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 15, '64. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64, 
Promoted to ist Sergeant May 12, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



COMPANY A 



305 



Name and Rank. 


DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 


Sergeants. 
Charles E. Hickman. 
Jacob Y. Ely, 
Charles H. Crewe, 


Aug. 8, 1861, 

" 14, " 
8, " 


John H. Gallagher, 
Charles H. Murdock, 
E. Sherwood Walton, 


" 12, " 

13, " 
" 12, " 


John W. D. Smith, 


a " 


William E. Wagner, 


14, " 


Corpo'^als. 
E. Sherwood Walton, 
David H. Hess, 
Joseph S. Kite, Jr., 
Francis A. Schaefer, 


" 12, " 

8, " 

13, " 
8, " 


Joseph J. B. Strohm, 
Charles H. Murdock, 
John W. D. Smith, 
William A. Steinmetz, 


14, " 
" 13. " 


Joseph Weber, 


» » « 


David G. Walton, 


« (1 « 


William E. Wagner, 
David Campbell, 


14, " 

8, " 


John S. Dove, 


ID, " 



Remarks. 



Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17. '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant July 18, '64. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Discharged Dec. 16, '63. Wounds. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Dec. i, '63. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant May 13, '64. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant March 7, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Dec. 16, '63. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May II, '64. 

As Private. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30, '63. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 30, "63. Veteran. 

Promoted to Sergeant May 11, '64. 

Wounded 3 times at Spottsylvania, May 12, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Mustered out with that Company June 30, '65. 

Promoted to Sergeant March i, '63. 

Deserted October 3, '62. 

Discharged Oct. 11, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Discharged February 9. '63. Wounds. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. i, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant Dec. 16, '63. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Nov. i, '62. 

Discharged March 14, '63. 

As Private. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Promoted to Corpora) March i, '63. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Promoted to Sergeant May 11, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30. '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30. '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



306 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Corporals. 
William H. Myers, 

William Huddell, 

William Mellon, 

George Wagner, 



Musicians. 
George W. Kurtz, 

Frank Lewis, 

Privates. 
Beckley, Joshua 
Bowers, William 
Bowman, Isaac 

Boyer, William P. 
Boyle, William 
Brady, William H. 



Campbell, David 
Casey, William M. 
Connelly, John 

Cramer, John L. 
Dove, John S. 
Dubbs, John A. 

Ecker, Aaron 
Evans, Wilson 
Fesmire, John 



Fitzell, Louis 

Fritchman, George H. 
Fritzhman, Wilson 
Forster, James 
George, William C. 
Gilan, Thomas 



Aug. 10, 1861, 
14, " 



12, 



14, 
10, 



Remarks. 



10, 



12, 

a a it 

<" <°' I 

" 14, " 

8, " 

ID, " 

8. " 

May 4, 1864, 

Aug. 8, i86t, 

April 27, 1864, 
Aug. 10, 1861, 



As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Discharged. 

As Private. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted June — , '62. Returned Apr. — , '64. 

Discharged. 

Discharged January 16, '62. Disability. 



Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Jan. 5, '63. Disability. 
Died at Yorktown, Va., May 25, '62. 
Buried in National Cemetery, Sec. C, Grave 262. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Feb. 15, '64. 
Deserted April 3, '63. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30, '63. 
Promoted to Quartermaster Sergt. Sept. 6, '62. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Dec. 19, '6r. Disability. 
Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged May 9, '63. Disabilitv. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 18, '64. 
Died at Annapolis, Md., June 22, '64. Wounds. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 18, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Deserted Oct. 3, "62. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged July i, '62. Disability. 
Transferred to 1st U. S. Artillery Oct. 26, '62. 



COMPANY A 



307 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Green, Daniel 



Greer, Robert 
Harbeson, John 
HarriSj John 



Hartman, Wenzell 
Heller, Jacob 
Hickman, John R. 
Hickman, Thomas 



Huddell, William 
Hudson, James C. 



Kincaid, Tilghman 
King, Edward 



Lee, John 
Leis\', John H. 
Lukens. Charles 

Mahan, Jos. S. 
Matthews. Lewis 
Mellon. William 
Michals, George 

Miller. William L 
Morris, George W. 



Murphj% James B. 

Murray, William 

Myers. William H. 
McManemy. James 
McManus, Timothy 
Newell, Albert 



Nichols, Theodore 

Nixon. Joseph 
Nixon, Thomas M. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 13, 1861, 



10, 

" 14. " 

April 16, 1864, 



Aug. II, 1861, 

17: " 

" 10, " 
" 9, " 



14. 
12, 



April 13, 1864, 

Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 
14, " 



10. " 

8, " 

" 14, " 

8, " 

(f ti a 

(i II <( 



Dec. 9, " 
Aug. 15, " 



Remarks. 



Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Feb. 16, '65. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. Deserted. 
Deserted August 24, '61. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 10, '64. 
Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged April 8, '63. Disability. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Deserted May 5, '64. Returned. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Dishonorably Discharged June 13, '65. 
Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 
Deserted Oct. 25, '62. Returned. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Died at Wilderness May 24, '64. Wounds. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to , . 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Deserted June 15. '63. 
Discharged Feb. 6, '63. Disability. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Mar. 16, '64, 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. I, '63. 
Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Killed at Wilderness. Va.. May 6, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Discharged. 

Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 
Discharged Dec. 7. '62. Disability. 
Discharged Oct. 20. '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Re-enlisted Doc. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with that Company June 30, '65. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged June 11. '63. Habeas Corpus. 
Transferred to ist U. S. Artillery, Oct. 26. '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



308 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Osier, Hugh M. 
Ottey, Richard 

Peterson, William H. 
Potts. John T. 
Ray, William 



Rettew. Charles 
Riley, John 
Robinson. Charles 



Rowbottam, James 



Rowan, John 
Rustine. Albert 
Scullen, Patrick, 



Shanier, Edward 
Sharpley, William 

Sheak, Frederick 
Slavin, Hugh 



Smith, George S. 

Smith, George W. 
Stafford, Thomas L. 



Steiner, Edward 



Steinmetz. William A. 
Sterniger, Charles 
Stevenson, Charles E. 
Strickler, Samuel 



Thomas. Wm. S., Jr. 
Thompson. Thos. J. 

Turner, John S. 

Vanzile, John 
Vaughan, Elwood 
Vaughan, Charles H. 



date of 
enlistment. 



Aug. 



May 
Aug. 



Dec. 

Aug. 



Dec. 

Aug. 
Dec. 
Aug. 



13, 
16, 

17, 
16. 

17, 



l85l, 



17, 



14, 

17, 

9, 



I7> 



1864, 
1861, 



17, 



14, 



16. 
II, 
16, 



14. 
8, 

9, 

8, 
9, 
16, 



Remarks. 



Died at Falmouth, Va., March 14, '63. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Jan. I, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted Nov. 24, '61. 

Deserted Aug. 21. '61. Returned. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Discharged. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 

Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29. '63. Veteran. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Discharged Aug. 24, '61. Habeas Corpus. 

Deserted Aug. 24, '61. 

Killed at Antietam. Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Buried in National Cemetery, Section 26, Lo 

A, Grave 77. 
Discharged Sept. 6, '61. Disability. 
Wounded at Antietam. Aid.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged March 28, '63. Wounds. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Deserted. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 20. '62. Wounds. 
Discharged July 5, '62. Disability. 
Deserted at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. whil 

in line of battle ; was finally dischargee 

March 20. '63, from V. R. Corps. 
Killed accd'tly at Stevensburg, Va., Jan. 15, '64 
Buried National Cemetery, Culpepper C. H, 

Va., Block I, Section A, Grave 227. 
Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 
Deserted Aug. 22,, '61. 
Deserted Aug. 20. '61. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62 
Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, '62 
Deserted April i, '63. Returned. 
Discharged. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov 

ember 20. '63. 
Transferred to ist U. S. Artillery Oct. 26, '62 
Transferred to 1st U. S. Artillery Oct. 26, '62 
Discharged Aug. 27, '61. Habeas Corpus. 



COMPANY A 



309 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Wagner. George 
Wagner, William E. 
Waldron, George W. 



Walton, George 
Walton, David G. 
Weaver, Andrew J. 
Weber, George W. 

Weber, Joseph 
Wetzell. Samuel 
Widerman. George 
Williams, John C. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 14, 1861, 



16, 

12, 



Remarks. 



Promoted to Corporal May 13, '64. 
Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30, '63. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Captured at Spotts\'lvania, Va., 'Sla.y 12. "64. 
Prisoner from May 12, '64. to Dec. 14, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 
Discharged June 12, '65. 
Discharged Aug. 24, '61. Habeas Corpus. 
Promoted to Corporal March i, '63. 
]\Iustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
IMustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Promoted to Corporal Nov. i, '62. 
Dishonorably discharged June 8, '62. 
IMustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Deserted November 27, '62. 



310 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY B. 

This Company was recruited in Philadelphia by Captain Joseph 
J. Vaughan, and mustered into the United States' Service August 
28th, 1861, and camped with the Regiment at Bull's Head, West 
Philadelphia until September 30th, 1861, when it left Philadelphia 
with the Regiment. 

It contained originally three officers and eighty-nine men; 
received in 1862, two officers, in 1863, one officer and one man, 
in 1864, four men ; making a total of one hundred. Of these, one 
officer and nine men were killed, three officers and twenty men 
wounded and thirteen captured, one died in a Rebel prison and 
three of disease, twenty-three discharged for disability, two officers 
dismissed from the service and two officers and one man for pro- 
motion, six men transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, four 
to Company H, thirteen re-enlisted as veterans, twenty deserted 
and one drummed out of the service; leaving fifteen men that 
were mustered out with the Company September loth, 1864. 

There are some errors in the roster of this Company which the 
writer has been unable to correct. 

[Assisted in making out this roll up to September 1862, from original 
Company books kindly loaned by Captain P. J. Hallowell, and since that 
date by Captain James C. Lynch.] 



COMPANY B 



311 



COMPANY B. 



Name and Rank. 



Captains. 
Joseph J. Vaughan, 

Paul J. Hallowell, 
James C. Lynch, 



1st Lieutenants. 
Joseph T. Banister, 
John A. Steel, 



2d Lieutenants. 
James Thos. Huey, 
Wm. H. Smith, 



1st Sergeants. 
Wm. H. Smith. 
James B. Marshall, 



Sergeants. 
John H. Chambers, 
Alonzo C. Schank, 

John M. Napier, 
Samuel T. James, 

James B. Marshall, 
James C. Broik, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1861, 



I7> 



28, 
13. 



28, " 



Remarks. 



Dismissed the service by order Secretary War, 

June II, '62. 
Discharged January 4, '63. Resignation. 
As 2d Lieutenant Company A. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Jan. 31, '62. 
Promoted to Captain Co. B, Jan. 4, '63. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Wounded at Bristoe Station, Va., Oct. 14, '62,. 
Promoted to Colonel 183d Regiment P. V., 

June 21, '64. 

Dismissed the service Sept. 17, '62. 

As 2d Lieutenant Company C. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Co. B Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to Adjutant Aug. 29, '63. 



Discharged Nov. 24, '62. 

As 1st Sergeant. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Nov. 24, '62. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Buried in National Cemetery, Sec. C, Grave 42. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Nov. 24, '62. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. 24, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 9, '65. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 5, '65. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps July I, '6^. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Killed at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, '63. 
Buried in National Cemetery. Sec. G, Grave i. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. 24, '62. 
As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. 2, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant Nov. 24, '62. 
Captured at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 

Prisoner from June 3, '64 to . 

Discharged . 



312 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Sergeants. 
Patrick Murphy, 



Corporals. 
Samuel G. Sheppard, 
James B. Marshall, 
James Sexton, 
John Ennis, 

Thomas M'Caully, 
Francis Fritz. 
David Crawford, 
William Bell, 

James G. Broik, 
Patrick Murphy, 
Samuel Fitzinger, 



Samuel Hayburn, 



James Murphy, 



John Hallowell, 



Musicians. 
Charles J. Napier, 
David B. Roche, 

Privates. 
Alexander, Hugh 

Allen, Richard S. 

Altemus, Wm. A. 
Anderson, Henry 

Armbruster, Joseph 
Beatty, James 
Binker, James 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



April 14, 1864, 
Aug. 28, 1861, 



Remarks. 



As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. .6, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant July i, '63. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2. '63. 
Captured at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Prisoner from May 6, '64 to . 

Discharged . 

Discharged January 2. '62. Disability. 
Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged January 6, '62. Disability. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Go. H to serve out enlistment. 

Reduced to the ranks. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 7, '63. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 15, '63. 

Promoted to Sergeant Nov. 24, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant July i, '63. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Buried in National Cemetery Sec. F, Grave 51. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Nov. 24, '62. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Buried in National Cemetery Sec. B, Grave 18. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March 6, '63. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal July I, '63. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. 15, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Transferred to Hospital Dept. May 24, '62. 
Promoted to Asst. Surgeon Aug. 4, '62. 
Acting Hospital Steward. 

Died at Camp Observation, Md., Dec. 17, '61. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29. '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Nov. 21, '63. Disability. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Buried in National Cemetery, Sec. D, Grave 46. 



COMPANY B 



313 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Blanc, Louis 



Broik, James C. 
Burroughs, Wm. H. 
Callahan, Patrick 

Canning, James 



Caulfield, John 
Chacon, Alfred W. 



Clerk, John 
Collwell, Andrew 



Delaney, Joseph 
Devlin, Charles 
Devlin, James 

Duncan, Wm. H. 

Dupee, Albert 
Ellard, Eugene 
Emory, Jacob 
"airchilds, Wallace 



Fairchilds, William 
Fay, Stephen 



Fitzinger, Samuel 
Fitzpatrick, Michael 
Flick, William 
Fritz, Francis 
Gillespie, Edward 
jlenn, John 
jlinney. Michael 
jwynn, John 
FTaggerty, Francis 
Hague, Henry 



Halks, Patrick 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



Remarks. 



April 
Aug. 



7, 1864. 



Re-enlisted Mar. 3, '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.. July 3, '63. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. 2, '62. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Re-enlisted Mar. 3, '64. Veteran. 

Deserted April 6, '64. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, '64. 

Killed at Wilderness, Va.. May 6, '64. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville. Ga.. Sept. 4. '64. 

Burial record Nov. 4. '64, Grave 10.815. 

Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Prisoner from June 29, '62 to Aug. 7. '62. 

Discharged. 

Captured at Peach Orchard, Va., June 29, '62. 

Prisoner from June 29, '62 to Aug. 7, '62. 

Discharged Jan. 6, '63. Disability. 

Discharged Dec. 3, '63. Disability. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Wounded at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted Oct. 30, '62. 

Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 

Deserted June 30, '62. 

Died at Washington, D. C, Dec. 31, '62. 

Buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C, 

Sec. — , Grave — . 
Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Paroled at Richmond, Va., July 31, '62. 
Discharged Feb. 10, '63. Disability. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 12, '65. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged March 28, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted March i, '62. 
Deserted Nov. 30, '62. 
Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 
Discharged Oct. 27, '63. Disability. 
Discharged July 7, '62). 
Re-eidisted Dec. 29. '63. Veteran. 
Wounded at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, '63. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Nov. 15, '62. Disability. 



314 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 





date 


OF 






Name and Rank. 


ENLISTMENT. 


Remarks. 


Privates. 












Hallowell. John 


Aug. 


28, 


1861, 


Promoted to Corporal July i, '63. 


Hanlen, Edward 








Wounded at Gettysburg, 
Re-enlisted Mar. 3, '64. 
Deserted April 8, '64. 


Pa., July 2, '63. 
Veteran. 


Harvey, George 


" 


" 


•' 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




Hayburn, James 


" 


" 


" 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




Hayburn, Samuel 


" 


" 


" 


Promoted to Corporal Nov. 24, '62. 


Hill, Thomas 


" 


" 


" 


Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 


Hollingsworth, James 


" 


" 


" 


Discharged May 20, '63. 


Disability. 


Hollingsworth, James 


Dec. 


17, 


1863, 


Transferred to Co. H to 


serve out enlistment. 


Hurst, John 


Aug. 


28, 


I861, 


Discharged Dec. 31, '61. 


Disability. 


Hurst, Titus 


" 


" 


" 


Discharged June 20, '63. 


Disability. 


Jenkins, John 


" 


" 


" 


Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. i, '63. 


Keene, Denny 


'• 


(1 


" 


Captured at Petersburg, 


Va., June 22, '64. 










Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Nov. 25, '64. 










Transferred to Co. H to 


serve out enlistment. 










Discharged Feb. 14. '65. 




Kelly, Martin 


« 


" 


" 


Wounded at Gettysburg, 


Pa., July 2, '63. 










Losing left leg by amputation. 










Discharged , '64. 




King, John 


tt 


" 


" 


Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 


Kinney, William 


" 


" 


" 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




Lynch, Thomas 


April 


14, 


1864, 


Transferred to Co. H to 


serve out enlistment. 


Mackin, Henry 


Aug. 


28, 


1861, 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




Malloy, George 




" 


" 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




Mansfield, John 








Drummed out of service 
rison's Landing, Va. 


for Desertion at Har- 
Aug. IS, '62. 


Masterson, John 






(( 


Wounded at Antietam, 

Lost leg. 
Discharged June 10, '63. 


Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounds. 


Moore, George 


« 


" 


" 


Wounded at Gettysburg, 


Pa., July 2, '6$. 










Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 


Moore, Patrick 


" 


" 


" 


Captured at Gettysburg, 


Pa., July 2, '63. 










Prisoner from July 2, '63 to . 










Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 


Morton, Hamilton 


" 


" 


" 


Discharged Feb. 7, '63. 


Disability. 


Murphy, James 


" 


" 


" 


Promoted to Corporal M 


arch 6, '63. 


Murphy, Patrick 


" 


" 


" 


Promoted to Corporal Jan. 6, '62. 


Murrow, Edward 


" 


" 


" 


Discharged Sept. 10. '62. 


Disability. 


McFadden, Timothy 


" 


" 


" 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




McGreal, Patrick 








Wounded at Gettysburg, 
Wounded at Wilderness, 
Wounded at Petersburg, 
Captured at Petersburg, 


Pa., July 2, '63. 
Va., May 6, '64. 
Va., June 22, '64. 
Va., June 22, '64. 










Prisoner from June 22 to . 










Transferred to Co. H to 


serve out enlistment. 










Discharged June 12. '65. 




McHale, James 


11 


(I 


(( 


Deserted Aug. 31, '61. 




Nathans, Simon 








Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C 


Veteran. 
. H., Va., May 12, '64. 


Neill, Daniel 


'' 


" 


" 


Deserted July 10, '62. 




Paul, Robert A. 


" 


" 


'■ 


Deserted March 27, '62. 





COMPANY B 



315 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
S^eynolds, James C. 



i^iley, James 
i^oney, David 
?iush, John 
scheild, John 
schetzline, Baker 

ichetzline, John 

smith, Charles 
5t. Ruth. John 
atainrook, Henry A. 



5uthoff, Joseph 



rhomas, John 
^aughan, Henry 



iVarnock, William 

Webster, George 

Williamson, John 
Wood, Albert G. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1861, 



April 
Aug. 



1864, 
1861, 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Deserted Oct. 30, '62. 
Discharged June 2, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Feb. 2, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Sept. 10, '62. Disability. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '64. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Aug. 27, '62. Disability. 
Discharged July 27, '62. Disability. 
Captured at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Exchanged , . 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Exchanged Aug. 7, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 2, '63. Disability. 
Deserted April 6, '64. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with that Company June 30, '65. 
Died at Washington, D. C, Sept. 22, '62. 
Buried Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Killed at Petersburg, Va., Jan. 22, '64. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Deserted April 25, '62. 



316 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY C. 

This Company was recruited in Philadelphia by Captain R. W. 
P. Allen, assisted by Lieutenants Lynch and Steel, and camped 
with the Regiment at Bull's Head. Was mustered into the 
United States' Service August 24th, 1861, and left Philadelphia 
with the Regiment September 30th, 1861, under the command of 
Lieutenant Lynch. 

Not having the full complement required by law, Captain Allen 
paid a visit to Bradford County for additional recruits, and with 
those sent by Captain Newman, of Company D, who was also 
recruiting for the Regiment in that section of the state, gave him 
more than enough to fill his Company, and twenty-four were 
transferred to Company I, to fill up the ranks of that Company. 
Captain Allen joined the Company soon after its arrival at 
Poolesville, Md. 

The Company originally numbered three officers and one 
hundred and eight men, and received in 1863, o'^e, and in 1864, 
four ; making a total of three officers and one hundred and thirteen 
men. Of these, twenty-four were transferred to Company I, six 
to Veteran Reserve Corps and one to United States Artillery, 
seven were killed in action, one officer and forty-one men 
wounded, seventeen captured, one accidentally wounded, two died 
of wounds, one in a Rebel prison and six of disease contracted in 
the service, seven re-enlisted as veterans, three deserted, one 
officer and seven men discharged on account of wounds and one 
officer and nineteen men for disability, one officer and two men 
for promotion; leaving one officer and two men that were mus- 
tered out with the Company September loth, 1864, and eleven men 
subsequently discharged at the expiration of their term of ser- 
vice, during September, October and November of that year, 
from Company F, being transferred to that company to serve out 
their term of enlistment. 

[Have been greatly assisted in completing this roll by Sergeant Joseph 
N. Radcliff, from copies of original rolls, and a complete diary kept by 
him during his whole term of service.] 



COMPANY C 



317 



COMPANY C. 



Name and Rank. 



Captains. 
Ralph W. P. Allen, 

John W. Lynch, 
Harry Neville, 



1st Lieutenants. 
John W. Lynch, 
Benj. F. Sloanaker, 



Harry Neville, 

^d Lieutenants. 
John A. Steel, 
Benj. F. Sloanaker, 
Harry Neville, 

1st Sergeants. 
rheo. L. Lockerman, 

Harrv Neville. 
Joseph N. Radcliff, 



William H. Neiler, 

Sergeants. 
Harry Neville, 
[oseph J. Taylor, 

Benj. F. Sloanaker, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 13, 1861, 

Oct. 7, " 
Aug. 13, " 



Oct. 7, 
Aug. 13, 



19, " 

13. " 
28. " 



Sept. 2, " 

Aug. 13, " 
" 20, " 



Remarks. 



Discharged Jan. 9, '63, for promotion as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel i88th Regiment P. V. 

Discharged Sept. 7, '63. Disability. 

As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. 7, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant March i, '63. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 5, '63. Not 
mustered. 

Promoted to Captain Sept. 8, '63. Not must'd. 

Aide on Staff of Gen. Owen Com. Brigade. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 8, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to Captain Jan. 9, '63. 
As Sergeant. 

Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 
Appointed Color Sergeant of Regt. Oct. 6, '61. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant March i, '63. 
Discharged June 4, '63. Wounds. 
Promoted to Captain Sept. 8, '63. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Co. B Sept. 17, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Mar. i, '63. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 5, '63. 



Discharged Nov. 14, '63, for promotion as 

Lieutenant iS7th Regiment P. V. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant March i, '63. 
As Corporal. 

Color Sergeant from Sept. 17, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant Feb. i. '63. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant March i, '63 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged from Hospital July i, '65. 
Promoted to Sergeant Major May 3, '64. 



Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. 7, '62. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Jan. 13, '62. Wounds. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Sept. 17, '62. 



318 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Sergeants. 
George W. White, 
Harry J. Blair, 

William H. Neiler, 

Joseph N. Radcliff, 
Jonathan C. Barnes, 



Charles H. Hickok, 



Corporals. 






William McNeal, 


Aug. 


20, " 


William H. Neiler, 
Joseph N. Radcliff, 


Sept. 
Aug. 


2. " 
28, " 


Stephen P. Taylor, 
Francis Baile, 


Sept. 


20, " 

i8, " 


Benj. F. Williams, 


" 


IS, " 


Almond Cure, 


Oct. 


4, " 


Henry J. Blair. 
Edward Lilley, 


Sept. 


2, " 
21, " 


Jonathan C. Barnes, 
S. Macy Smith, 


Aug. 


24. '•• 

28. " 



Rufus G. Brown, 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Sept. 2, i86i, 



Aug. 28, " 
Sept. 24, " 



Oct. 16, " 



Oct. 16. " 



Remarks. 



Discharged Feb. 9, '63. Disability. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Nov. 7, '62. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, '6^ 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6i 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Jan. i, '64. 

Promoted to 1st Sergeant Mar. i, '63. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant March I, '63. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmeni 

Discharged Sept. 24, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Dec. 12, '62. 

Badly injured by being trampled upon at battl 

of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant March i, '63. 
Appointed Color Sergeant and fell with Color; 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Died of Wounds, Sept. 21, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 17. '62. 

Acting Color Sergeant from Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant Feb. i, '63. 

Discharged Dec. 12, '62. Disability. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged Sept. 24, '63. Wounds. 

Detailed as Regimental Bugler. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmeni 

Discharged Sept. 15, "64. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Captured at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmeni 

Discharged April 6, '65, to date from Oct. 4, '64 

Promoted Sergeant. Nov. 7. '62. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. i, '62. 

Discharged Mar. 18. '63. Disability. 

Promoted to Sergeant Mar. i, '63. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept 17, '62.. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to May 17, '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Nov. 7, '62. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 



COMPANY C 



319 



Name and Rank, 



Corporals. 
Charles H. Hickok, 
Thomas Ward, 



Jesse L. Griffith, 
Charles H. Weinert, 



R'lusicians. 
Frederick A. Waugh, 
Clarence Landon, 



Priz'atcs. 
Arbuckle, Samuel W. 

Baldwin, Francis M. 
Barclay, Robert 

Barnes, Jonathan C. 
Babcock. David 
Bothwell. Alexander 
Brown, Rufus G. 
Brown, George 
Carr, Levi 
Clarv. John 
Clifford, Robert 



Coe, Luther B. 
Cole, Orson C. 

Comfort, Wm. H. 
Crandlc, Job 



Crooks, Thomas 
Carr. John 
Comfort. Isaac M. 
Crowl, James 
Dibble, Cornelius 
Dibble, William A. 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Oct. i6, 1861, 

4, " 



Aug. 20, 



Sept. 2S, 



Remarks. 



Oct. 



Oct. 



^7, 
4. 



Sept. 10, 

Aug. 24, 
Sept. 17, 



24, 
16, 



Aug. 24, 

Sept. 18. 

" 10, 

17, 



Oct. 4. " 
16, " 



4) 
Aug. 24, " 

Oct. 4. " 



Promoted to Sergeant March i, '63. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March i, '63. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged Oct. 6, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March i, '64. 

Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal March i, '64. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 



Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 20, '62. Disability. 



Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Nov. 26, '62. Wounds. 
Transferred to Company L 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. II, '62. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. 19, '63. 
Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Mar. i, '64. 
Died at Yorktown, Va., Apr. 18, '62. Fever. 
Promoted to Corporal Nov. 7, '62. 
Transferred to Company L 
Died at Newport News, Va., Aug. 17, '62. 
Discharged March 31, '63. Disability. 
Badly injured by being trampled upon at Fred- 
ericksburg. Dec. 13, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Discharged March i, '64. Wounds. 
Discharged Dec. 3. '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Antietam, INId., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Nov. 9, '63. Wounds. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 
Discharged Dec. 8, '62. Disability. 
Transferred to Company L 
Transferred to Company L 
Transferred to Company L 
Transferred to Battery U. S. A. Nov. 20, '63. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Died Oct. 5, '62. Wounds. 



320 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Donehue, John 

Elleashaw, William 
Ford, Charles 



Fulton. James 
Flemming, William 



Gage, Mahlon 
Gerrity, Thomas 



Grififith, Jesse L. 
Grover, George 
Gross, Edward C. 



Haws. William H. 
Hellem, George 



Hickok, Charles H. 
Hickok, Newton 

Hipwell, Henry W. 



Heider, Joshua M. 
Helfstine, William 
Hunter. Geo. R. 
Jones. Geo. N. 
Karr, William H. 
Karr, John C. 
Kennedy, Patrick 



Kilborn, Perry 
Kleinod, Rudolph 



date of 


ENLISTMENT. 


Sept. 


28, 1861, 


"' 


24, " 
13, " 


Aug. 


28, " 
23, " 



Oct. 16, " 
Aug. 27, " 



20, " 
Oct. 13, " 
April I, 1864, 



Sept. 10, 1861, 
Aug. 20, " 

Oct. 16, " 



Aug. 24, 

Oct. 16, 

Aug. 31, 

" 28. 



Oct. 14. " 
Sept. 9, " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6; 
Discharged jNIay 29, '63. Wounds. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Oct. i, '6; 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 18, '62, b 

officer's servant, losing leg. 
Discharged Feb. i, '63. 
Transferred to Company I. 
Detailed as Teamster. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to ser\^e out enlistment. 
Discharged March 3, '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmen' 
Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., November 2, '61 

Grave 12,277. 
Promoted Corporal March i, '64. 
Died at Newport News, Va., Aug., '63. 
Wounded at Wilderness. Va., May 6. '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmeni 
Mustered out with that Company June 30. '6; 
Died at White House, Va., May 31, '62. Typh 

oid Fever. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28. '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmeni 
Discharged June 16, '65. 
Promoted Corporal Dec. 12, '62. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistmeni 
Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 
Captured at Malvern Hill, Va., July i, '62. 
Released and returned to Regiment Aug. 6, '62 
Deserted Aug. 14. '62. 
Transferred to Company I. 
Transferred to Company I. 
Transferred to Company I. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps July i, '63. 
Discharged Oct. 31, '62. Disability. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Mar. 31, '64 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29. '63. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22. '64. to Apr. 28, '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 8. '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment 
Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 
Captured at Malvern Hill July i, '62. 
Discharged Feb. 13, '63. Disability. 



COMPANY C 



321 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Kelly, William 

Landon, Fred. L. 
Landon, Levi T. 

Levi, David 
Lilley, Edward 
Loomis. Clias. 
Love. William H. 
Lindley, Denton G. 
McConnell, James 
McEwen, Joseph 



McManus. William 
McNalley, Peter 
Mathews, Thomas M. 
Metcalf, John W. 

Mitchell, James 



Munroe, John 
Myers. Geo. E. 
Newell, Benj. F. 



D'Donnell, Thomas 



Painter, John H. 
Palmer, Henry C. 



Phillips, Fred. L. 



ilobinson, Geo. H. 
^ambo, Wm. H. 



?omhclt, John 
^afferty, John 
ioe, Thos. D. 



date of 
enlistment. 



Remarks. 



Aug. 12, 1861, 

Oct. 4, " 

16, " 

Sept. 23, " 

" 21, " 

Oct. 16, " 

Sept. 10, " 

Aug. 28, " 

" 27, " 

Sept. 17, " 



Aug. 28, " 

Sept. 26, " 

Aug. 31. " 

" 28. " 



Sept. 17, 
Aug. 28. 
Oct. 13, 



Sept. 17, " 



Oct. 



16, " 



April 12, 1864, 



Oct. 4, 1861, 
Sept. 12, " 



Mar. 23, 1864, 
Aug. 24, 1861, 



Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Died at Gettysburg, Pa., July 5, '63. Poison. 
Discharged Aug. 4, '62. Disability. 
Died at Canton, Bradford Co., Pa., Oct. 28, '62. 

Fever. 
Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Promoted Corporal Sept. i, '62. 
Deserted July 2, '62. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. ig, '63. 
Transferred to Company L 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, "64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 
Transferred to Company L 
Transferred to Company L 
Discharged Jan. 20, '63. Minority. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Aug. 31, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28. '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged May 31, '65. 
Discharged Jan. 16, '63. Disability. 
Transferred to Company L 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Dec. i, '64. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Apr. 28. '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 5, '65. 

Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec, 13, '62. 
Wounded at Malvern Hill, Va., July 2, '62. 
Captured at Malvern Hill, Va., July 2, '62. 
Exchanged Aug. 6, '62. 
Deserted from Hospital '62, and enlisted in 

another Regiment. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged from Hospital. 
Discharged Sept. 12, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64, to April 28, '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Transferred to Company I. 
Transferred to Company L 



322 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Seaman, Thomas A. 

Scholl, Edward 



Schluttenhofer, F. 



Smith, S. Macy 
Smith, Wm. W. 

Spencer, James W. 



Spencer, Henry H. 



Stone, Truman 


" 


" 


" 


Sweeney, WiUiam 


Sept. 


23, 


" 


Sellerd,'D. M. 








Sheilds, Geo. 


Aug. 


24, 


" 


Smith, Chas. W. 


(( 


28. 


" 


Sullivan. John 


" 


27, 


" 


Swain, William 


" 


24, 


" 


Spicer, Godfrey 


" 




" 


Trexler, James 


Sept. 


2, 


** 


Teil, Samuel 


Aug. 


26, 


" 


Vandyke, Pericles 


Oct. 


4- 


" 


Ward, Matthew 


" 




" 


Ward, Thomas 


(( 


" 


« 


Weinert, Chas. H. 


Sept. 


23> 


" 


Weinert, Henry H. 


May 


13. 


1863 


Warren, James 


Oct. 


16, 


1861 


Wright, Bernard L. 


It 


13, 


It 


Wiieman, Thomas 








Wood, Thomas 


Aug. 


24. 


" 


Young, William 


April 


21, 


1864 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Oct. 4, 1861, 
Sept. g, " 

April 13, 1864. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 
Oct. 16. " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 

Discharged Dec. 18, '62. Disability. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. ' 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to April 28, '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged June 23, '65. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., Jan. 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to April 28, '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged June 22, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Malvern Hill, July i, '62. 

Discharged Oct. 29, '62. Wounds. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Captured at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Prisoner from May 6, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged Feb. 9, '65. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Detailed as Sharpshooter in May, '64. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

Discharged Oct. 14. '62. Disability. 

Discharged Dec. 18, '62. Disability. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Transferred to Company -1. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Discharged April 7, '63. Wounds. 

Transferred to Company L 

Discharged Dec. 10, '61. Blind right eye. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted Corporal March i, '63. 

Promoted Corporal March i, '64. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., lune 22, '64. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Discharged Nov. 6, '62. Disability. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Transferred to Company I. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Transferred to Company F. 

Died at Florence, S. C, Feb. — , '65. 



COMPANY D 323 

COMPANY D. 

This Company was recruited at Canton, Bradford County, 
Pennsylvania, by Captain Samuel H. Newman, and was taken to 
Philadelphia in August, 1861, to be attached to the Thirty-Third 
or Keystone Regiment, and was encamped on the Wissahickon 
Creek, at School Lane, with another company recruited by Cap- 
tain Timothy Clarke (which afterwards became Company F of 
the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment). The Company not 
having the full number required. Captain Newman returned to 
Canton for additional recruits, leaving First Lieutenant, William 
N. Jones, in command. 

A visit was made to the camp by General Baker and Colonel 
Morehead to induce both companies to join Colonel Morehead's 
Regiment, then known as the Fifth California Regiment of Gen- 
eral Baker's Brigade, and the men by vote so decided, and both 
companies were removed to the camp of the Regiment, at Bull's 
Head, West Philadelphia, and this Company w^as mustered into 
the United States' Service on August 26th, 1861, and left Phila- 
delphia with the Regiment, September 30th, under command of 
Lieutenant Jones. 

Captain Newman remained at Canton and its vicinity, recruit- 
ing for the Regiment after his own company was full, and joined 
the Regiment at Camp Observation, near Poolesville, Md. 

The Company numbered originally three officers and eighty- 
five men. and received in 1862, eight, and 1864, eight additional re- 
cruits ; making a total of three officers and one hundred and 
one men. Of these one officer and twelve men were killed in 
action, and three officers and thirty-five men wounded, four of 
these died from their wounds, and thirteen died from disease con- 
tracted in the service, seven were captured, and two of them died 
in the Rebel prisons, eight re-enlisted as veterans, eighteen dis- 
charged for disability, and five for wounds, nine deserted, six 
of whom returned, six were at their request, transferred to the 
artillery and cavalry branches of the service ; leaving one officer 
and twenty men that were mustered out with the Company, Sep- 
tember 10, 1864. 

[This roll completed from original Muster Rolls kindly loaned by Cap- 
tain William N. Jones and is believed to be correct in every particular.] 



324 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY D. 



Name and Rank. 



Captains. 
Samuel H. Newman, 
William N. Jones, 



1st Lieutenants. 
William N. Jones, 
John Irvin, 



2d Lieutenants. 
John Irvin, 
Joshua A. Gage, 



1st Ser^ca'it^- 
John H. Hazleton, 
Benjamin D. Tuthill, 

William Irvin, 



Sergeants. 
Joshua A. Gage. 
Benjamin D. Tuthill, 
Samuel Irvin, 

Henry C. Veil, 
William Irvin, 
James W. P. Parsons, 



Albert J. Conklin, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 26, 1861, 






'^^ 



Remarks. 



Discharged July 19, '62. Resignation. 
As 1st Lieutenant. 
Promoted to Captain July 19, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '( 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to Captain July 19, '62. 

As 2d Lieutenant. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant July 19, '62. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistme 

Discharged Oct. 6, '64. 

Promoti^d to ist Lieutenant July 19, '62. 
As Sergeant. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant July 19, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Discharged Nov. 4, '62. Disability. 

As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. 4, '62. 

Discharged Aug. 13, '63. Disability. 

As Corporal. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, ' 

Promoted to Sergeant July 26, '62. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Aug. 13, '62. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant July 19, '62. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. 4, '62. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 10, '64 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 13, 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Aug. 13, '62. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Aug. 13, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal July 15, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant Nov. 4, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, ' 

Losing left leg. 
Discharged Oct. i, '63. Wounds. 



COMPANY D 



325 



Name and Rank. 



Sergeants. 
[ohn E. Rockwell, 

rames H. Hall, 

Corporals. 

srael Biddle, 
iVilliam Irvin, 
ohn E. Rockwell, 
Albert Donovan, 
squire L. Gage, 
ames H. Hall, 
"red. H. Spaulding, 
ames W. P. Parsons, 
Ubert J. Conklin, 
jiles M. Coons, 



ames C. Turner, 
chabod S. Jones, 

Vilson J. Scudder, 

Lllery J. Holcomb, 
David Irvin, 
{.obert Mathews, 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 26, 1 86 1, 



Remarks. 



As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. i, '62,. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Oct. i, '63. 

Killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 



Reduced to the ranks. 

Promoted to Sergeant July 26, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. i, '63. 

Deserted about Sept. 15, '62. 

Discharged Oct. 24, '62. Disability. 

Promoted to Sergeant Oct. i, '63. 

Discharged Jan. 18. '62. Disability. 

Promoted to Sergeant Aug. 13, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant Nov. 4, '62. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal July 11, '62. 

Wounded at Antietam. Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal July 26, '62. 

Deserted March 4, '63. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Aug. 15, '62. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 18, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Nov. 4, '62. 

Re-enlisted Mar. 4. '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Died at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 24, '64. Wounds. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March 14, '63. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March 14, '63. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March 14, '63. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga. 



326 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Pembroke S. Kendall, 



Daniel L. Foster, 



Musician. 
Judson W. Holcomb, 

Priva tcs. 
Ammerman, John F. 
Armstrong, Sam'l K. 
Bartlett, Orrin E. 
Bassett, Andrew B. 



Beach, Ephraim M. 
Biddle, Fidelo 
Biddle, Israel 
Biser, John B. 
Black, William 



Carey, James G. 

Cole, Thomas J. 
Conklin. Albert J. 
Coons, Giles M. 
Dann, Almond C. 
Dann, Jasper N. 
Dann, Silas N. 

Dand, Thomas 
Davis, Henry- 
Dudley, Mathias 

Elter, John S. 

Fellows. Solomon F. 
Fitzpatrick, Daniel 
Foster, Daniel L. 
Foster, Elavil W. 
Fuller, Andrew J. 

Hackett, Cyrus P. 
Hall, George D. 
Harding, Wickham 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 26, 1 86 1, 



Nov. I, " 
Aug. 26. " 

Mar. I, 1862, 



Mar. 25, 1864. 
Aug. 26. 1861, 



Mar. 1, 1862, 
Aug. 26, 1 86 1. 



Feb. 26, 1864. 
Aug. 26, 1861, 



Nov. I, 
Aug. 26, 



Remarks. 



As Private. 

Wounded at Antietam. Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. i, '63. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal March i, '64. 

Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, '64. 



Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F ist Pa. Art. Nov. 20, '63 
Deserted Nov. 21, '62. Returned Mar. 4, '63. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Transferred to 6th U. S. Cavalry Oct. 27, '62. 
Discharged Mar. 18, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Nov. 8, '62. Disability. 
Discharged Oct. 22, '62. Disability. 
Re-enlisted March 29, '64. Veteran. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 
Wounded at Po River, Va., May 9, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 
Transferred to 6th U. S. Cavalry Oct. 27, '62. 
Promoted to Corporal January 15, '62. 
Promoted to Corporal July 11, '62. 
Trans, to 6th U. S. Cavalry Oct. 27, '62. 
Died at Newport News, Va., Sept. 22, '62. 
Deserted Nov. 19, '62. Returned Apr. 4, '62 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Died at Point Lookout, Md., July 26, '62. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Died from same wound May 19, '64. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Sept. 12, '63. Wounds. 
Deserted Oct. 30, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 6, '62. Disability. 
Promoted to Corporal March i, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 
Died from same wound Dec. 20, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 20, '62. Disability. 
Drummed out of service April 30, '62,. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 



COMPANY D 



327 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Harlan, George 



Harrington, Henry 
Harrington, P. D. 



Harrington, Peter 
Hoagland, David H. 

Holcomb, Albert 



Holcomb, Ellery J. 
Irvin, David 
Jones, Ichabod S. 
Kendall, Pembroke S. 
Kilmer, William E. 
Kimball, Jacob S. 
King, Abraham 
King, John W. 
King, Reeder 
King, Robert M. 
Landon, James 
Long, George 
Manley, William H. 



Mason, George G. 
Mathews, Edward, 



Mathews, Robert 
Mathews, Thomas 



Myers, William H. 
Nestor, Thomas 
Newell, Warren J. 



Polen, William D. 



date of 
enlistment. 



Aug. 26, 1861, 

Feb. 29, 1864, 

it « <( 

Aug. 26, 1 86 1, 



Feb. 29, 1864, 

26, " 
Aug. 26, 1861, 



Mar. 16, 1S64, 
Aug. 26, 1861, 



Mar. I, 1862, 



Aug. 26, 1 86 1, 
Mar. I, 1862, 



Aug. 26. 1 86 1, 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged July 26. '62. Disability. 

Wounded at Po River, Va., May 9, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '62,. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal March 14, '63. 

Promoted to Corporal March 14. '63. 

Promoted to Corporal Aug. 15, '62. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. i, '63. 

Died at Milford Station, Va., May 28, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Trans, to 6th U. S. Cavalry Oct. 27, '62. 

Discharged April 20, '63. Disability. 

Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62, 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Deserted Dec. 13, '62. Returned April 30, '64. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, June 8, '64. 

Died from same wound in Washington, D. C, 
June 18, '64. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Re-enlisted March 29, '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Exchanged July 2, '64 as one of a special ex- 
change for citizens captured at Fredericks- 
burg, Va. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to Corporal March 14, '63. 

Re-enlisted March — , '64. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22. '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to May 17, '65. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged June 26, '65. 

Discharged Dec. 10, '62. Disabilit3^ 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted from Hospital Dec. 20, '62. 

Returned April — , '63. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 



328 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Randall, Chas. F. 



Rathbone, Joseph W. 
Reeder, Ambrose 
Riggs, Geo. C. 
Riggs, Samuel C. 



Rodebaugh, E. 
Rolison, Squire 
Rolison, Uriah C. 

Rundell, Arthur L. 
Schambacker, C. F. 
Schambacker, Fred. 
Schambacker, G. W. 

Scheik, Peter 



Scott, Allen 
Scott, Geo. D. 
Scott, Horace N. 
Scudder, Wilson J. 
Sparks, Erastus F. 
Terry, Darius R. 
Thomas, John 
Tripp, Geo. 
Trout, Burton W. 



Turner, John D. 
Turner, James C. 
Tyler, James D. 



Vandyke, Eugene C. 

Vandyke, James M. 
Watts, Hiram B. 



Wenck, John 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 26, 1 86 1, 

it it it 

it it ti 

Nov. I, " 

Aug. 26, " 

Mar. I, 1862, 

Aug. 26, 1861, 



Mar. 


I, 1862 


Aug. 


26. 1 86 1 


Feb. 
Aug. 


it n 

29, 1864 

26. I86I, 



Remarks. 



Re-enlisted March — , '64. Veteran. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Died at Turner House, Va., June 15, '64. 
Discharged Dec. 10, '62. Injury. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Re-enlisted March — , '64. Veteran. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 64. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Nov. 21, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 14, '62. Wounds. 
Died at New York Oct. i, '62. 
Died at Washington, D. C, June 24, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Captured at Malvern Hill, Va., July i, '62. 
Died at Malvern Hill, Va., July 10, '62. 
Re-enlisted March — , '64. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22. '64, to May 17, '65. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Died at Point Lookout, Md., Aug. 10, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Promoted to Corporal Nov. 4. '62. 
Discharged Jan. i, '62. Disability. 
Transferred to 6th U. S. Cavalry Oct. 27, '62. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Aug. Ii, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 16, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 27, '65. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged April i, '65. 
Discharged Dec. 13, '62. Disability. 
Promoted to Corporal July 26, '62. 
Detailed as Telegraph Operator Dec. i, '61. 
Captured at Harper's Ferry Sept. 12, '62. 
Escaped and Joined Regiment. 
Promoted to Sergeant Major March 3, '63. 
Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 
Discharged June 18. '64. Wounds. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted during battle of Antietam, Md., Sept. 

17, '62. 
Captured and returned to Co. C 8th Pa. Cav'ly. 
Wounded and died at Alexandria, Va., July 

5, '65. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



COMPANY D 



329 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Whitcomb, Chas. T. 



White, Roswell 
Wilbur, John 
Wilbur, Lewis N. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 1 1, 1862, 



Aug. 
Aug. 



26, 1861, 
26, 1861, 



Remarks. 



Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

i^rornoted to Principal Musician March i. '6=; 

Discharged June 13, '65. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, July 19, '62 

Discharged Dec. 20, '62. Disability. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 

Deserted from Hospital Jan. i, '63 

Returned April 3, '63. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64 

1 ransferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Died at Florence, S. C. 



330 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY E. 

This Company was recruited at Germantown, Philadelphia, by 
Captain Francis H. Achuff, about August 15, 1861, and ren- 
dezvous at Camp Bull's Head, was mustered into the United 
States' Service August 28, 1861 and left Philadelphia with the 
Regiment, September 30, 1861. 

The Company originally numbered three officers and eighty- 
one men ; two joined in 1862, and one in 1864; making a total of 
eighty-seven officers and men. Of these one officer and five men 
were killed in action, and two officers and twenty-two men wound- 
ed, and nine men captured ; of these one died in a Rebel prison 
and one as soon as he reached home, four died of disease, one of 
wounds, three at their request, were transferred to the cavalry ser- 
vice, two to Veteran Reserve Corps, five re-enlisted as veterans, 
sixteen discharged on account of disability, and seven on account 
of wounds, and fourteen deserted ; of these Privates Andrew 
Conovan, Daniel Cowley, Leivis Heckroth, Charles Parmer, and 
George Thompson, were not satisfied with this company after be- 
ing sworn in, left and joined other Pennsylvania regiments, went 
into the field and did good service, although marked as deserters 
on the roll of this Company, never having left Philadelphia with 
the company, or been in camp with it. This left one officer and 
eighteen men that were mustered out with the Company Septem- 
ber 10, 1864. 

[This roll corrected from original rolls in possession of Sergeant 
Rudolph A. W. Oestman, and is now believed to be correct in every par- 
ticular.] 



COMPANY E 



331 



COMPANY E. 



Name and Rank. 



Captain. 
Francis H. Achufif, 

Salathiel R. Townsend 



1st Lieutenants. 
Wyndham H. Stokes, 

Salathiel R. Townsend 
Jacob M. Miller, 



2d Lieutenants. 
Salathiel R. Townsend 
Jacob M. Miller, 

1st Sergeants. 
Jacob M. Miller, 
William J. Coward, 



Sergeants. 
William J. Coward, 
William J. Finley, 
Charles Emmons, 

Rud. A. W. Oestmann, 

Albert M. Malone, 



Corporals. 
Albert M. Malone, 
John Drainsfield, 
Thomas M. Stroup, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Discharged April 13, '63. Wounds. 

As 2d Lieutenant. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 30, '62. 

Promoted to Captain April 17, '63. Not must'd. 

Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 5, '64. 

Appointed Regimental Quartermaster June 30, 

1862. 
Promoted to Captain April 17, '63. Not must'd. 
As 1st Sergeant. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant June 30, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Apr. 17, '63. Not 

must'd. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 30, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Apr. 17, '62i- Not 
must'd. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant June 30, '62. 
As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant June 30, '62. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Dec. 16, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged March 8, '65. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant June 30, '62. 
Discharged April 17, '6t,. Disability. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Wilderness. Va., May 6, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 30, '62. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Feb. 27, '65. 
Iransferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 30, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Feb. 19, '63. Wounds. 



332 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Thomas Hart, 

Sylvanus Kephart, 
James Hamilton, 
Bernard Devine, 

Theodore Schaer, 

James A. De Conrsey, 

William Reiff, 



Musicians. 
Gustavus Josephs, 

Privates. 
Agin, Robert B. 



Akin, James 
Ashton, George 

Bogan, George 



Britt, William 
Burness, James 



Campbell, Michael 
Carley, John 



Carter, George W. 
Clark, Patrick 
Collbridge, Thomas 

CoUom, John B. 

Conovan, Andrew 
Connell. William 
Cox, Thomas 
Crowthers, James 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1861, 



(( « 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged March 13, '63. Wounds. 
Discharged Feb. 14, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Sept. 11, '62. Disability. 
Deserted October 30, '62, and subsequently 

joined another regiment. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Feb. 14, '63. Wounds. 
As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Aug. 4. '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal June 30, '62. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Feb. 27, '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 3, '65. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Transferred to Ambulance Corps. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to , . 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps. Oct. 13, '63. 
Deserted June 18, '62, and subsequently joined 

another regiment. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Sept. 20, '62. Disability. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Wilmington, N. C. 
Buried in the Wilmington, N. C, National 

Cemetery. Grave No. 11. 
Killed at Malvern Hill. Va., July i, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Nov. 26, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Died at Philadelphia March 23. '65. 
Transferred to 6th U. S. Cavalry Oct. 30, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 10, '62. Disability. 
Transferred to Commissary Department. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Discharged May 19, '63. Wounds. 
Deserted Aug. 30, '61. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted January 24, '63. 
Deserted Oct. 30, '63. 



COMPANY E 



333 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 

Crowley, Daniel 
Culin, Isaac B. 
Dann, Orlando S. 
De Coursey, James A. 
Dillon, Patrick 
Dillsneider, Martin 



Doane, Samuel N. 



Fisher, William 
Gould, Charles 
Hamilton, James 
Hanhauser, George 

Harley, Conrad 

Heckroth, Lewis 
Hilt, Franklin W. 

Howell, John 
Howland, Hiram 

Keel, Samuel 
Kelly, Michael 



Kendell, Joseph 
Kephart, William 



King, Cornelius 
Landries, George W. 
Linder, Jacob 

McCombs, John 
McGlone, John 



McGlenn, Patrick 
McLaughlin, John 
McManus, Philip 
McPherson, John 

Maccalier, Chas. 
Mann, Wm. 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



Remarks. 



Deserted Sept. 18, '61. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Dec. 11, '62. Disability. 
Promoted to Corporal Aug. 4, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 31, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Deserted Feb. 17, '64. 
Wounded at Fair Oaks, May 31, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Nov. 3, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Sept. 10. '62. Disability. 
Deserted Aug. 28, '62, and subsequently joined 

another regiment. 
Transferred to the Ambulance Corps. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted Sept. 18. '61. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Discharged May 20, '63. Wounds. 
Discharged Sept. 5, '62. Disability. 
Transferred to 2d U. S. Cavalry Oct. 30, '62. 
Died, date unknown. Buried in National 

Cemetery, Gettysburg, Sec. B, Grave 67. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sept. i, '63. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Feb. 27, '65. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 
Transferred to 2d U. S. Cavalry Oct. 30, '62. 
Died at Yorktown, Va., May 7, '62. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Discharged Nov. 29, '62. Wounds. 
Died on U. S. Transport, Aug. 9, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Deserted Oct. 31, '61. 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted Oct. 31, '61. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., July 6, '62. 
Buried in National Cemetery, Glendale, Va., 

Grave 23. 



334 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Mehl, Wm. M. 

Miller, John V. 

Morrell, David 

Morris. Philip K. 
Mountenay, John 

Mulligan, Andrew 
Noll, John 

O'Farrell, John 
Parmer, Charles 
Pool, James 
Reiff, William 
Rice, Jacob 



Rickley, John 
Rodgers, Francis 
Shaye, Patrick 
Strauss, Jacob 



Sweeney, John 
Sullivan, Patrick 
Trace, William 

Thompson, George 
Weingarten, Christ. 
Whitcomb, Benjamin 

Williams, Tillason L. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



April 3, 1862, 
Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



Remarks. 



Aug. I, 1862, 
Aug. 28. 1861, 

Mar. 3, 1864. 



Promoted Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 

March i. '63. 
Re-enlisted December 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6. '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Feb. 24, '63. Wounds. 
Discharged Dec. 26, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Wilderness. Va., May 6, '64, and 

died on battlefield from fire. 
Discharged Feb. 18. '63. Disability, 
Deserted Sept. 15, '61. 
Discharged Feb. 4, '63. Disability. 
Promoted to Corporal June 30, '62. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Died at Smoketown. Md., Oct. 10. '62. Wounds. 
Buried at National Cemetery at Antietam, 

Section 26, Grave 220. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps July 11, '63. 
Discharged April 18, '63. Disability. 
Killed at Malvern Hill, Va., July i, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg. Pa.. July 2, '63. 
Wounded at Locust Grove. Va., Nov. 27, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Nov. 15. '62. Disability. 
Deserted Oct. 5. '61. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 
Deserted Sept. 20, '61. 
Discharged January 16, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Locust Grove Nov. 27, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 12, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to . . 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 



COMPANY F 335 



COMPANY F. 

This Company was recruited at Hughesville, Lycoming County, 
Pennsylvania, by Captain Timothy Clarke and Lieutenants Farr 
and Bryan, and came to Philadelphia in August 1861, and was 
camped on the Wissahickon, at School Lane, (with a company 
from Williamsport, that afterwards became Company D, of this 
Regiment). While in camp they received about fifteen recruits 
from Millville, Columbia County. During a visit to the camp 
by General Baker and Colonel Morehead, the men by vote de- 
cided to join Colonel Morehead's Regiment, then known as the 
Fifth California Regiment, and were taken to the camp of the 
Regiment at Bull's Head, and mustered into the United States' 
Service August 14, 1861, and left Philadelphia with the Regiment 
September 30, 1861, for Washington, thence to Poolesville, Mary- 
land. 

In March, 1864, in compliance with orders from the War De- 
partment, asking for re-enlistment of those in the field, nearly the 
entire company re-enlisted as veterans and were granted a fur- 
lough for thirty days, and left camp April i, 1864. 

This Company originally numbered three officers and eighty 
men, and received in 1862, one officer and two men, in 1864, 
thirteen men ; making a total of four officers and ninety-five 
men; of these two officers and seven men were killed in action, 
one officer and twenty-four men wounded, and one officer and 
twenty-four men captured, of whom four died and one was killed 
while prisoner, eight died of disease, one drowned trying to escape 
from prison, thirteen discharged on account of wounds, one officer 
and twelve men for disability, six deserted, five promoted out of 
company and two officers and ten men discharged on the expira- 
tion of their term of service, five of them at the time the Regiment 
was mustered out ; leaving seventeen men to be mustered out with 
the company. Upon the expiration of the term of service of the 
Regiment, this Company was one of the companies retained to 



336 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

form the One Hundred and Sixth BattaHon, and received one 
officer from Company A, thirty-one men from Company C, and 
ten men from Company E, nine of them were prisoners, and 
thirteen from Company C, merely to serve out the balance of their 
term, and one officer and six men that were mustered out with 
the company, June 30, 1865. 

[The author has been ably assisted in perfecting the roll of this Com- 
pany by Richard F. Whitmoyer, late First Sergeant of the Company.] 



COMPANY F 



337 



COMPANY F. 



♦These officers held their commissions and the non-commissioned officers their appointments in 
this Company after the consolidation into the Battalion and not in the original Company. 



Name and Rank. 



Captains. 
Timothy Clarke, 

William V. Farr, 



1st Lieutenants. 
William V. Farr, 
James C. Biggs, 



Jacob Y. Ely,* 



2d Lieutenants. 
William Bryan, 
Clark Whitmoyer, 



Jacob Y. Ely,* 

1st Sergeants. 
Richard Sanders, 
Edward Webb, 



Ellis Bryan, 
Charles H. McCoy, 



William J. Coward,* 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 14, 1 86 1, 



Sept. 17, " 



Aug. 17, 



14, 



17, 



12, 



" 14. 



28, " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Died from same Sept. 18, '62. 

As 1st Lieutenant. 

Promoted to Captain Sept. 19. '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64, to Dec. 13, '64. 

Discharged March 7, '65. 

Promoted to Captain Sept. 19, '62. 

As Sergeant Company H. 

Promoted to Sergeant Major May i, '62. 

Promoted to ist Lieut. Co. F Sept. 19, '62. 

Discharged Oct. 19, '64. 

As Sergeant of Company A. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant July 18, '64. 

Transferred to Co. F to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Nov. 25, '64. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

As Sergeant. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Sept. 19, '62. 

Discharged May 4, '64. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Nov. 25, '64. 



Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged Feb. — , '63. Disability. 

Discharged Feb. — , '63. Disability. 

As Sergeant. 

Promoted to 1st Sergeant Feb. — , '62,. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, '64. 

Promoted to ist Lieut. Co. H, May 16, '65. 

As 1st Sergeant Company E. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Dec. 16, '64. 

Discharged March 8, '65. 



338 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



1st Sergeants. 
R. F. Whitmoyer,* Sept. 12, 1861, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Joseph N. Radcliff,* 



Sergeants. 

Clinton Sanders, 
Edward Webb, 
Clark Whitmoyer, 
Charles H. McCoy, 
William H. Kitchen, 



Richard F. Whitmoyer 
Edward J. Lathrop, 



John Houghton,* 

Jonathan C. Barnes,* 
Albert M. Malone,* 

S. Macy Smith,* 
John V. Miller,* 



Corporals. 

Richard F. Withmoyer 
Edward J. Lathrop, 
Charles A. Rubright, 



Aug. 28, " 



Aug. 12, " 

il ii (( 

14, " 

(( If (( 

Oct. I, " 



Sept. 12. 
Aug. 14, 



Sept. 24, " 
Aug. 28, " 



Sept. 12, " 

Aug. 14, " 

" 28, " 



Remarks. 



As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant March 20, '64. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, '64. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
As 1st Sergeant Co. C. Veteran. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Discharged July i, '65. 



Discharged. Disability. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Sept. 17, ' 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Feb. — , '63. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22. ' 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, 

Discharged Feb. 11, '65. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant June 13, '65. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 

Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 

Promoted to Sergeant Major Sept. i. 

As Corporal. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, 

Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, 

As Sergeant Company C. 

Discharged Sept. 24, '64. 

As Sergeant Company E. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 27, 

Discharged June 12. '65. 

As Corporal Company C. Veteran. 

Promoted to Sergeant Co. F June 12, 

Discharged June 26, '65. 

As Private Company E. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal Aug. 26, '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 

Mustered out with this Company June 



62 . 

'64. 
'64. 



29, '6: 
29, '6: 
'64. 



64. 
'64. 

'65. 



'64. 
'65. 



'65. 



30. .'6 



Promoted to Sergeant March 20, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant March 21, '64. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 
Discharged June 5, '65. 



COMPANY F. 




Corporal Charles A, Rubright. 

1861— 1865 

When released from Rebel Prisons, April 2a, 1865. 

Re-enlisted March 30, 1864. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va.. June 22, 1S64. 

Prisoner from June 22. 1S64 to April 28. 1865. 

Discharged June 5, 1865 



COMPANY F 



339 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Frederick Lucke, 



Charles B. Yeakle, 
Robert Rook, 

Henry McCoy. 



John Hou.^hton, 
John V. Miller. 
Benj. F. Williams, 

Almond Cure,* 



S. Macy Smith.* 
Rufus j. Brown,* 

Thomas Ward.* 

William Reiff,* 

Charles H. Weinert,* 
John V. Miller,* 
Henry H. Weinert,* 

Adam Bitler,* 

John F. Burkholder,* 
Charles Fleckenger.* 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 14, 1861, 



It It tt 



" 28. " 

Sept. 15, " 
Oct. 4, " 



Aug. 
Oct. 


28, " 
16. " 


Oct. 


4. " 


Aug. 


28, " 


Sept. 


23, " 


Aug. 


28. " 


May 


II, 1863 


Sept. 


12. 1861 


" 


4, " 


Aug. 


14, " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. ' 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.,' June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Discharged June 15, '65. 

Captured at Gettysburg. Pa., July 3, '63. 

Prisoner from July 3, '63 to Nov. 26, '64. 

Discharged Feb. 22, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64 to May 17, '65. 

Discharged June 26. '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30. '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Escaped from Danville. Va.. and was drowned 
in James River trying to reach our lines 
July 2. 1864. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 

As Corporal Company C. 

Discharged Sept. 15. '64. 

As Corporal Company C. 

Wounded at Wilderness. Va.. May 6, '64. 

Captured at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Prisoner from May 6, '64 to , . 

Discharged April 6. '65 to date from Oct. 4, '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 12, '65. 

As Corporal Company C. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

As Corporal Company C. 

Discharged Oct. 6. '64. 

As Corporal Company E. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 27, '65. 
Discharged June 3. '65. 
As Corporal Company C. 
Promoted to Hospital Steward Oct. 10, '64. 
As Private Company C Veteran. 
Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 
As Private Company C. 
Promoted to Corporal June 15. '63. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
/\s Private. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13. '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13. '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Re-enlisted March 30. '64. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13. '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 



340 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Ellis Houseknecht,* 

Samuel C. Snyder,* 

Joseph H. Smith,* 



Musicians. 
Burdick U. Travis, 

Privates. 
Agin, Robt. B. 



Anderson, John R. 

Artley, Ellis 
Brambleson, John 

Black, Samuel N. 



Bitler, Adam 
Bobb, William 

Bolton, 

Bryan, Lawson 



Burkholder John F. 
Carley, John 



Carlisle, Charles 
Casselberrv, John 
Clarke, Ralph B. 
Coder, Ellis 

Coder, William 

Coffman, John 

Colburn, William 
Cowles, Edwin F. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



May 1, 1864. 

Aug. 14, 1861, 

'• 28. " 

" 14. " 

" 28, " 

Oct. 31, " 

May 6, 1864, 

Aug. 14, 1 86 1, 



Sept. 12, " 

Mar. 2, 1865, 

Oct. 1, 1861, 

Sept. 4, " 



Remarks. 



Aug. 15, 



12, 

Mar. 2, 1865, 

Aug. 12, 1861, 

" 28, " 

May 6, " 

Aug. 14, " 

12. " 
" 14, " 



Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, '64. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Re-enlisted March 30. '64. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
As Private. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Discharged June 19, '65. 

Private Company E. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Discharged. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Discharged . 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6: 
Discharged. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va. June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 
Discharged June 17, '65. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Killed . 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 26, '64. 

Grave 6,929. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
As Private Company E. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, '64. 
Died at Philadelphia. March 23, '65. 
Discharged. Disability. 
Mustered out wnth Company June 30, '65. 
Promoted to Hospital Steward. 
Re-enlisted March 30. '64. Veteran. 
Promoted Battalion Quartermaster Dec. i, '6i 
Wounded at Weldon road. Va., Aug. 18, '6i 
Discharged April 13, '65. Wounds. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged. 
Deserted Sept. 25, '62. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Killed at Weldon road, Va., Aug. 18, '64. 



COMPANY F 



341 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 

Craighton. Samuel 
Crandle, Job 

Croman, Jacob F. 

Crothers, Wilson 
Doane, Samuel N. 

Eck. Samuel 
Englehart, George 
Eves, Joseph 



Fenstenmaker, John 



Fleckenger, Chas. 
Flemming, William 



Focht, Jacob 



Fowler, Elvin 
Furlan, James H 
Gage. Mahlon 

Gardner, Henry 
Gardner, John 
Gensel, John 
Gerity, Thomas 



Green, Isaiah 

Gross, Edward 

Grover, George F. 

Hickok, Newton 

Houghton. William 
Houseknecht, Ellis 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 12, 1861, 

Oct. 16, ' 

Aug. 14, ' 

" 12, ' 

" 28. ' 

;; 14, ;; 

12, ' 



14, 



Sept. 17, " 



Aug. 12. " 
Feb. 2, 1864. 
Oct. 16. 1861, 

Aug. 12, " 

28. " 
27, " 



Mar. 26, 1864, 

April I. " 

Oct. 4, 1861, 

" 16, " 

Aug. 12, " 
May I, 1864. 



Remarks. 



Discharged July — , '62. Disability. 

As Private Company C. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, '64. 

Died at Hampton Roads, Va., , '62. 

As Private Company E. Veteran. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, '64. 

Discharged June 6, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22. '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 

Discharged. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 

Discharged May 31, '65. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Discharged June 26. '65. 

Discharged , '62. Disability. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

Died at Fair Oaks, Va., June i, '62. 

Died at Fair Oaks, Va., July 3, '62. 

Deserted May 16, '64. 

As Private Company C. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22. '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga.. Nov. 2, '64. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22. '64. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64 to Nov. 26, '64. 

Discharged June 26, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Wounded at Wilderness. Va., May 6, '64. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

Deserted June 11, '62. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 



342 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Hewlett, William 

Johnson, John 
Kennedy, Patrick 



Kephart, William 



Kilbourn, Perry 

Kitchen, John 
KleesC; Isaac 
Koons, John 

Lair, Henry 

Landon, Levi S. 

Little, Absalom 



Little, Myron F. 

Livergood, Samuel 

Luke, George 

Luke, Wm. M. 

Manley, Jervase B. 
Manning, J. A. 
Metcalf, John W. 

Miller, John V. 

Minot, Henry 
Mitchell, James 



Mott, Edwin 
McCall, William 

McCorkey, James 

McEwen, Joseph 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 14, 1861, 

tt (I a 

28, " 



Oct. 14, " 

Aug. 12, " 

28, " 

" 14, " 



Oct. 16. " 
Aug. 14, " 



28, "• 



" 31, " 
28, " 

Mar. 26, 1864, 
Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



12, 
" 28 " 
Sept. 17, " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged. 

Deserted Dec. — , '63. 

As Private Company C. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 

Discharged June 8, '65. 

As Private Company E. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 27, '65. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

Discharged Nov. 12, '62. Disability. 

Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 

Re-enlisted March 30. '64. Veteran. 

Mustered out with Company Tune 30, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Discharged June 15, '65. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 10, '62. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, '64. 

Discharged April 15, '65. 

Captured near Stevensburg, Va., Aug. — , '63, 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., June 3, '64. 

Grave 1,588. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged. 

Wounded at Gettysburg July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted Sept. — . '63. 
As Private Company C. 
Discharged Aug. 31, '64. 
As Private Company E. 
Promoted to Corporal Co. F Aug. 26, '64. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
As Private Company C. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 
Discharged May 31. '65. 
Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Died at Milford, Va., June — , '64. 
Died at New York, July 26, '62. 
Buried at Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. I. 
As Private Company C. Veteran. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 



COMPANY F 



343 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
McGlone, John 



McMahon, David 
Newell, Benj. F. 



O'Donnell, Thomas 



Parker, John K. 



Phillips, Frederick L. 



Poust, Henry 

Poust, Benjamin 
Purcell, Thomas 

Rambo, William H. 



Rishell, George W. 



Rogers, Hamilton 
Romig, William 
Romhelt, John 

Schlottenhofifer, F. 



Scholl, Edward 

Shalter, Jacob 
Sharrow, George 
Shearer, Adolph 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 861, 



Feb. IS, 1864, 
Oct. 13, 1861, 



Sept. 17, " 

Mar. IS, 1862, 

April 12, 1864, 

Aug. 14, 1861. 

" 28, " 

14, " 

Sept. 12, " 

May 4, 1864, 

Aug. 12, " 

Mar. 23, " 

April 13, " 

Sept. 9, 1861, 

Aug. 14, " 

May 1, 1864, 

Oct. I, i86t. 



Remarks. 



As Private Company E. Veteran. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Absent (wounded) at muster out. 
Discharged Dec. 23, '64. 
As Private Company C. 
Wounded at Gettysburg July 3, '63. 
Discharged Dec. i, '64. 
As Private Company C. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 
Discharged June S, '6$. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 27, '6s. 
Burial record, Jan. 18, '6s, Florence, S. C. 
As Private Company C. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania. Va., May 12, '64. 
Discharged from Hospital. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged. 

Mustered out with Regiment Sept. 10, '64. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June i, '64. 
As Private Company C. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '6s. 
Discharged June 12, '6s. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Killed on Belle Island, June 26, '64, while 
prisoner. 

Discharged , '63. Disability. 

Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 

As Private Company C. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '6s. 

As Private Companj^ C. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 21, '65. 

Discharged June 22, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 28, '65. 

Discharged June 23, '65. 

Re-enlisted March 30. '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 

Discharged. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 28, '65. 

Discharged June 6, '65. 

Deserted Dec. — , '63. 



344 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Smith, Joseph H. 

Snyder, Samuel C. 
Soars, Stephen 

Sones, Wesley 

Spencer, James W. 



Spencer, Henry H. 

Starr, Abram 

Stauffer, John 
Stover, Michael H. 
Trace, William 
Ward, Matthew 

Warner, Charles H. 

Warner, William 
Warren, James 



Walter, Joseph 
Webber, John 



Weinert, Henry H. 

Welch, John 

Winford, John W. 

Whitmoyer, Chas. H. 
Winder, Amos M. 

Williams, Benj. F. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Remarks. 



Aug. 28, 1861, 



14, 



Oct. 16, " 



Aug. 28, " 

'' 12. " 

Jan. II, 1862, 

Aug. I, " 

Oct. 4, 1861. 

Aug. 12, " 

Oct. 16. " 



Aug. 12, " 
May I. 1864. 



May 13, 1863, 

Feb. 18. 1864. 

May 4, " 

Mar. IS, " 

Aug. 28, 1861. 

Sept. 15. " 



Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Died at Washington, D. C, July — , '65. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6: 

Discharged. 

As Private Company C. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Captured at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Prisoner from May 6. '64 to Feb. 27, '65. 

Discharged Feb. 9, '65. 

As Private Company C. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec, 13, '6: 

Detailed as Sharpshooter in May, '64. 

Discharged Oct. 16, '64. 

Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., July i, '64. 

Discharged Jan. 15, '65. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17. '62. 

Discharged. Wounds. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. C, 184th Pent 

sylvania April 18, '64. 
As Private Company E. Veteran. 
IMustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
As Private Company C. Veteran. 
Captured at Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 26, '6 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65 
Died at New York May 22, '62. 
Buried at Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. I. 

Discharged , '63. Disability. 

As Private Company C. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Discharged . '63. IDisability. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
As Private Company C. 
Promoted to Corporal June 15, '65. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64 
Discharged June 21, '65. 
Died at Annapolis Md., Oct. 3, '64. 
Buried at Annapolis Cemetery, Va. 
Killed at Wilderness. Va., May 6. '64. 
Re-enlisted March 30, '64. Veteran. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Discharged Sept. 15, '64. 



COMPANY F 



345 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Williams, Tillason L. 

Young, William 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Mar. 3, 1864, 
April 21, " 



Remarks. 



As Private Company E. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

As Private Company C. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64 

Died at Florence, S. C. 



346 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY G. 

This Company was recruited by Captain John R. Breitenbach, 
principally at Norristown, Pa., and was assisted by Lieutenants 
Egbert and Reed and some recruits from Philadelphia, with 
rendezvous at camp of Regiment, at Bull's Head. Was mustered 
into the United States' Service August 2^, 1861, and left Phila- 
delphia with the Regiment, September 30, 1861. 

This Company numbered originally three officers and seventy- 
one men; and received in 1862 nine men, in 1863 one officer, and 
in 1864 four men ; making a total of eighty-eight. Of these, nine 
were killed, one officer and nine men wounded, and five cap- 
tured, seven died of disease contracted in the service, two of 
wounds, four in Rebel prisons, and one accidentally killed, twenty- 
one were discharged for disability, two on account of wounds, 
and three officers by Special Orders, fifteen deserted, six trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, and six to Company K, to serve 
out enlistment, including two that re-enlisted ; leaving one officer 
and sixteen men that were mustered out with the Company, Sep- 
tember 10, 1864. 

[Have not been able to get any assistance whatever with the roll of 
this Company, and is furnished as found published by Bates in his "History 
of Pennsylvania Volunteers", with such errors, as we knew existed, 
corrected.] 



COMPANY G 

COMPANY G. 



347 



Name and Rank. 



Captain. 
John R. Breitenbach, 



1st Lieutenants. 
George T. Egbert, 
Joseph Reed, 

2d Lieutenants. 
Joseph Reed, 
Wm. A. Hagy, 



1st Sergeants. 
William J. Clarke, 
Amon J. Storms, 



Sergeants. 
Amon J. Storms, 
Allen S. Elliott, 
Francis Clark, 
William H. Vandoran, 
David Jamison, 
Watson K. Hess, 



Samuel Margargle, 
William H. Muir, 



Corporals. 
Watson K. Hess, 
Samuel Magargle, 
William H. Muir, 
William H. Lott, 



Jesse McCombs. 
Wm. H. Abrams, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 27, 1861, 



28. 



H i( i( 



II <( (< 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Com. Major July 8, '64. Not mustered. 
Brevet Alajor and Lieut.-Colonel Mar. 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Discharged Aug. 31, '62. Resignation. 
As 2d Lieutenant. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Aug. 31, '62. 
Discharged March 31, '63. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant August 31, '62. 
As 1st Sergeant Company L 
Promoted to Sergeant Major Sept. 19, '62. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. G, Mar. i, '63. 
Discharged Dec. 14, '63. S. O. 

Discharged July 25, '62. Disability. 

As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant July 25. '62. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant July 25, '62. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Discharged Oct. 26, '62. Disability. 

Discharged Aug. 25, '62. Disability. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. 15, '63. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 15, 62. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor June 3, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Seot. 10, '64. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant March i, '64. 

Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant March i, '64. 

Killed at Spottsylvania, Va.. May 12, '64. 

Buried in Wilderness Burial Ground. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 15, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant March i, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant March i, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Aug. 30, '62. Disability. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 8, '65. 



348 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Allen, William 

Archer, Charles 
Baker, Jacob 

Baker, Josephus 
Bennett, James H. 
Bisbing, John 
Bitler, Thomas 

Bobb, John 
Brown, Isaac 

Brown, Samuel 
Bundick, William 
Campbell, James 
Caruthers, William 
Dickinson, Joseph 
Dirk, Solomon 
Dugan, Bernard 
Dmigan, David 
Ehler, Benjamin 

Packer, John C. 
Fagan, Thomas 

Fields, Alfred M. 
Flanagan, Michael 
Fleck, John 
Gallagher, Michael 
Hale, John F. 

Heite, Charles 

Humble, Jacob 

Johnson, John 
Kearney, John O. 
Kilpatrick, George 
Kinnear, Harry 
Krupp, George 
Leggett, Walter 
Leoser, Christian 

Manning, Andrew J. 
Meeser, John F. 
Miller, George W. 



Muldoon, Bernard 



date of 
enlistment. 



Aug. 27, 1 861, 

July 17, 1864, 

Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 

April 8, 1862, 

Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 

April 5, 1862, 

Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 



April 8, 1862, 
Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 



April 8 1862, 
Aug. 27, 1 861, 



Mar. 1864, 

Aug. 27. 1 86 1, 



Jan. 17, 1864, 



Jmie 15, 



Remarks. 



Died at Washington, D. C, Dec. 25, '62. 
Buried at Military Asylum Cemetery. 
Discharged Sept. 10, '62. Disability. 
Drafted. Transferred from 165th Regt. P. V 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Feb. 20, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Feb. 28, '62. Disability. 
Discharged Mar. 21, '63. Disability. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Died of same. 

Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., June 28, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 

Discharged Feb. , '63. Disability. 

Deserted Sept. 10, '61. 

Deserted Sept. 15, '61. 

Died at Harper's Ferry, Nov. 18, '63. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 16, '63 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Discharged Dec. 29, '62. Disability. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged. 

Deserted December 13, '62. 

Killed accidentally at Camp Observation neai 

Poolesville, Md., Feb. 26, '62. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged Feb. 28, '63. Disability. 
Died at Washington, D. C, Jan. S, '63. 
Discharged Feb. 17, '63. Disability. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 
Discharged. 

Wounded at Gettysiiurg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Salisbury, N. C., Jan. 15, '65. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Killed at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted Sept. 10, '61. 
Died at Norristown, Pa., April 13, '62. 
Killed at Antietam, IMd., Sept. 17, '62. 
Deserted. Returned. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Deserted Nov. i, '62. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Drafted. Transferred from 165th Regt. P. V 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 
Discharged June 12, '65. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment 
Captured at Boydton Plank road, Va., Oct 

27, '64. 
Prisoner from Oct. 27, '64, to Feb. 25, 65. 



COMPANY G 



349 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Murray, George 
Murry, John 
McDade, Neil 
McDonnell, Joseph 
]\'IcLanghlin, Theo. 
Nathans, Camillus 
O'Neil, John, Sr. 

O'Neil, John, Jr. 
Patterson, Samuel 
Phillips, Edward 
Pope, John 
Powers, Edward 

Reynolds, Nehemiah 
Ridge, Daniel 
Ritter. Wilson 
Robbins, George W. 



Robbins, J. 

Schwenck, Josiah 

Sellers, Joseph S. 

Sickles, Lewis J. 
Simpson, Robert 
Smith, Henry 

Spicer, John 
Starr, Anthony 

Steward, William 
Stolz, Abraham 
Storms, William J. 
Stroud, Wm. M. 
Super, Clayton 
Tippin, Alexander 
Tobin, Terrence 

Townsend, Wm. S. 



Travis. Ottis 
Trump, George 
Williams, Morgan 
Winstanley, Charles 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 



April 8, 1862. 
Aug. 27, 1861, 



" 28, " 

April 18, 1862, 

Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 

" 28, " 

27, " 

April 8, 1862, 

Aug. 27. 1861, 

April 8, 1862, 

Aug. 27, 1861, 



April 8, 1862, 



Dec. 25, 1861, 
Aug. 27, " 



, Remarks. 



Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Discharged July 25, '62. Wounds. 

Deserted Sept. 8, '61. 

Discharged Jan. 31, "63. Disability. 

Deserted Nov. 2, '62. 

Deserted Sept. 15, '61. 

Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Discharged Feb. 21, '63. Disability. 

Deserted Sept. 15, '61. 

Discharged Feb. 24, '63. Disability. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.. July 2, '63. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. 15, '63. 

Discharged Jan. 25. '63. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps, Nov. 14, '63. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, '64. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 21, '64. 

Grave 6.321. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Florence, S. C, Nov. 19, '64. 
Died at Yorktown, Va., June 11, '62. 
Buried Nat. Cemetery, Section D, Grave 206. 
Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Feb. 28, '65. 
Deserted Sept. 5. '61. 
Deserted Sept. 5, '61. 
Died at New York Dec. i. '62. Burial record, 

Nov. 14, '62. 
Deserted Sept. 15, '62. 
Killed at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, '63. 
Buried at Nat. Cemetery, Sec. D, Grave 16. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Died at Washington. D. C, Jan. 26, '63. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 26, '63. 
Deserted Sept. 18, '61. 
Discharged Feb. 11, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Oct. 26, '62. Debility. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, '64. 
Buried at National Cemetery, Wilderness, Va. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 
Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 
Died from same May 20, '64. 
Discharged Feb. 4. '63. Disability. 
Deserted Sept. 25, '61. 
Discharged Feb. 14, '63. Disability. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



350 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY H. 

This Company was recruited in Philadelphia by Captain Lewis 
Bartleson, assisted by Lieutenants Plallowell and Tyler, with ren- 
dezvous at camp of Regiment at Bull's Head, West Philadelphia, 
and was mustered into the United States' Service August 28th, 
1861, and left Philadelphia with the Regiment September 30th, 
1861. Not having the full complement required by law, Lieu- 
tenant Hallowell was left in Philadelphia to recruit additional 
men, and with those recruited from Companies D and F, filled up 
the quota. 

This Company numbered originally three officers and ninety- 
one men; received in 1863, three men, 1864, twenty-six men; 
making a total of one hundred and twenty-three ; and when 
organized into the Battalion, received from Company A, one 
officer, Company B, seventeen men. Company F, one officer. 
Company I, seven men, and Company K, one officer ; making a 
grand total of one hundred and fifty. Of the original company, 
six were killed in action, one officer and twenty-four men 
wounded, and two officers and twenty-four men captured, two 
died of disease and six in Rebel prisons, one officer and twenty- 
seven men were discharged for disability and two on account of 
wounds, one officer and five men for promotion, one man dis- 
honorably, three officers and forty-one men at the expiration of 
their term, nine re-enlisted, six transferred to the Veteran Reserve 
Corps, one to the United States Artillery, twelve deserted ; leaving 
two officers and fifteen men that were mustered out with the 
Company June 30th, 1865. 

Upon the expiration of the term of service of the Regiment, 
this Company was one of the companies retained to form the 
One Hundred and Sixth Battalion, and received, as above stated, 
officers and men from the other companies, who were prisoners, 
or to serve out the balance of their time. 

[The roll of the original Company has been compiled from original 
muster rolls, kindly loaned by Captain L. D. C. Tyler, and is believed to 
be correct.] 



COMPANY H 



351 



COMPANY H. 



* These officers held their commissions and the non-commissioned officers their appointments in 
this Company after the consolidation into the Battalion and not in the original Company. 



Name and Rank. 



Captains. 
Lewis Bartleson, 
Lynford D. C. Tyler, 



Francis Wessels*, 

1st Lieutenants. 
Paul J. Hallowell, 
Lynford D. C. Tyler, 
John F. Hassett, 



William B. Rose, 



John H. Gallagher*, 
Charles H. McCoy*, 



2d Lieutenants. 
Lynford D. C. Tyler, 
John F. Hassett, 
William B. Rose, 

1st Sergeants. 
John F. Hassett, 
William B. Rose, 



date of 
enlistment. 



Aug. 28, 1861, 



Feb. 28, 1862, 

Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 
Sept. 2, " 



Aug. 17, 
" 14, 



" 28, 
Sept. 2. 



Remarks. 



Discharged Feb. 5, '63. Disability. 

As 2d Lieutenant. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant July 17, '62. 

Promoted to Captain Feb. 24, '63. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to Dec. 18, '64. 

Transferred to Co. K to serve out enlistment. 

Discharged Jan. 4, '65. 

Transferred from Company K. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Promoted to Captain Co. B July 17, '62. 

Promoted Captain Feb. 24, '63. 

As 1st Sergeant. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant July 17, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Feb. 24, '63. 

Discharged June 10, '64. Wounds. 

As Sergeant. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant July 17, '62. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Feb. 24, '63. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 22, '65. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant January 5, '65. 

Not mustered. 
Discharged April 8, '65. 
Transferred from Company A. 
Promoted to Captain Co. K Jan. 26, '65. 
As Sergeant Company F. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Sept. 17, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29. '63. Veteran. 
Promoted to ist Lieut. Co. H May 16, '65. 
Com. Capt. Co. F June 8, '65. Not mustered. 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 



Promoted to ist Lieutenant July 17, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Feb. 24, '63. 
Promoted to 1st Lieutenant January 5, '65. 
Not mustered. 



Promoted to 2d Lieutenant July 17, '62. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Feb. 24, '63. 



352 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



1st Sergeants. 
James J. Foy, 



John Ennis*, 



James B. Marshall*, 



Sergeants. 
WilHam B. Rose, 
Harry A. Louderback, 
James C. Bi^gs, 
Thomas D. Boustead, 



Westley N. Meeker, 



James J. Foy, 
George W. Seville, 



Robert F. Creamer, 



Frederick Weiderman, 



Alexander B. Tyler*, 



John Ennis*, 



date of 
enlistment. 



Sept. 2, 1861, 



Aug. 28, " 



Sept. 2, 
17. 



22, 



Aug. 28, " 



Remarks. 



As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant May i, '62. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Feb. 24, '62,. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Dec. il, '64. 
Discharged March 31, '65. 
As Corporal Company B. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Promoted to Corporal Company H Oct. i, 64. 
Promoted to Sergeant May 20, '65. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65 
As 1st Sergeant of Company B. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 9, '65. 
Discharged June 5, '65. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant July 17, '62. 
Reduced to the ranks Feb. i, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant Major May i, '62. 
Captured at Wilderness, Va., May 6. '64. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 11, '64. 

Grave No. 8,434. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Feb. i, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 6. '62. Disability. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Feb. 24, '63. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant July 17, '62. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64, to , — . 

Discharged Feb. 22, '65. 

As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Oct. 6, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 

Discharged May 25, '63. Wounds. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal May i, '62. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant April 9, '63. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 

Re-enlisted Mar. 27, '64. Veteran. 

Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 

Promoted to Commissary Sergeant Nov. i, '64 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Oct. 6, '62. 

Re-enlisted Mar. 27, '64. Veteran. 

Promoted to Sergeant April 23, '65. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '6$. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant June 13, '65. 



COMPANY H 



353 



Name and Rank. 



Sergeants. 
Alexander M. Boyd*, 



James C. Reynolds*, 
Louis Blanc*, 



Corporals. 
Westley N. Meeker, 
James J. Foy. 
EHas Louderback, 
Geo. W. Seville. 
Joseph A. Pedrick, 
Robert F. Creamer, 
Isaac H. Rich, 
John B. Bryson, 
George Patterson, 
Harry A. Louderback, 



Frederick Weiderman 
Alexander B. Tyler, 
William Morris Finn, 



John Butterworth, 
Robert Collister, 



date of 
enlistment. 



John Ennis* 



Boyd^ 



Alexander M 
Louis Blanc*, 
Henry Anderson* 



Sept. 2, i86l, 



Aug. 28, " 



Sept. 



17. 



26, 



Oct. 


17, " 

22, " 

I. " 


Sept. 


25, " 


Nov. 


I. " 



Aug. 28, 

Sept. 2, 
Aug. 28. 



Remarks. 



As Private. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal April 23, '65. 
Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Promoted to Sergeant Major Jan. 24, '65. 
As Private Company B. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Promoted to Corporal Co. H April 23, '65. 
Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 



Promoted to -Sergeant Feb. i, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant May i, '62. 

Discharged June 13, '65. 

Promoted to Sergeant July 17, '62. 

Discharged Sept. 5, '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant Oct. 6, '62. 

Reduced to the ranks May i, '62. 

Discharged Nov. 27, '62. 

Deserted Nov. 13, '62. 

As Sergeant. 

Reduced to the ranks Feb. i, '62. 

Promoted to Corporal May I, '62. 

Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant April 9, '63. 

Promoted to Sergeant April 23, '65. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Oct. 6, '62. 

Re-enlisted March 29, '64. 

Deserted July 26, '64. 

As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal April 24, '63. 

Discharged. 

As Private. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Promoted to Corporal April 24, '63. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Detailed as Sharpshooter. 

Discharged Nov. i, '64. 

As Corporal Company B. 

Promoted to Sergeant May 20, '65. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 13, '65. 

As Private Company B. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 

Promoted to Corporal Company H June 13, '65. 

Absent (sick) at muster out. 



354 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Stephen Fay*, 



Thomas Bond*, 
Charles Thompson*, 
Henry Hague*, 



Jefiferson Arthur*, 



Musicians. 
Theodore McVey, 
Gustavus J. R. Miller, 
Frank Sullivan, 

Privates. 
Allen, David P. 



Altemus, Wm. A. 

Alwine, Theo. J. 
Anderson, John R. 



Anderson, John 

Anderson, John, Jr., 

Anderson, Joseph 

Anderson, Robt. 



Anderson, Henry 

Andrews, Ephraim Y. 
Andrews, Thomas 
Armstrong, Hugh 
Bailey, John 
Blanc, Louis 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



April 26, 1864, 
Feb. 19, " 
Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



27, 



Sept. 15, 

" 20. 

Oct. 10, 



Aug. 24, " 



April 14, 1864, 

Sept. 27, 1861, 
" 2, " 



21, 

Oct. 14, ' 
April 26, li 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 

Sept. 4, " 

Oct. 10, " 
Sept. 4, " 

Aug. 28, " 



Remarks. 



As Private Company B. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to April 12, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal Company H June 13, '( 

Absent at muster out. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Company B. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistmen 

Deserted. Returned. 

Promoted to Corporal Company H June 13, '( 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '( 

As Corporal Company I. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 30, '64. 

Discharged January 25, '65. 

Deserted Aug. 8, '63. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 



As Private Company I. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

As Private Company B. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, 

Deserted July i, '63. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62, 

Re-enlisted March 29, '63. Veteran. 

Wounded at Langley, Va., Sept. 4, '63. 

Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Camp Observation, Poolesville, 

Feb. 12, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 3, '62. Disability. 
Discharged Oct. 24, '62. Disability. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Lawton, Ga. 
Buried at Lawton Nat. Cemetery, Ga., Sec. 1 

Grave no. 
As Private Co. B. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Discharged April 17, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Dec. 3, '62. Disability. 
Discharged Jan. 12, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Oct. 6, '62. Disability. 
As Private Company B. 
Promoted to Corporal Co. H April 23, '65. 



M 



COMPANY H 



355 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Blane, John 



Bond, Thomas 
Boyd, Alexander M. 
Brady, James 



Brady, Thomas 



Brown, Benjamin 

Brown, John L. 
Budson, James B. 

Bunn, Isaiah 
Butterworth, John 
Byers, Joseph C. 

Carpenter, Joseph 
Chpcon, Alfred W. 



Corcoran, William 
Collister, Robert 
Crab, Henry A. 



Cronley, Peter 
Crowl, James 

Davis, William 



Davis, William J. 
Dewalt, Samuel 
Diemer, Henry 
Downing, Thomas 



Ennis, John 

Fay, Stephen 

Finn, Wm. Morris 
Fisher, George 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Remarks. 



April 25, 1864, 



" 26, " 
Sept. 2, 1861, 
May 6, 1864, 



Mar. 31, 1865, 

Sept. 4, 1861, 

Nov. I, " 

Sept. 25, " 

Jan. 30, 1864, 

Sept. 20, 1861, 

April 7, 1864, 



Oct. ID, 1861, 
Nov. I, " 



May 5, 1864, 
Aug. 28, 1861, 

April 8, 1864, 



13. 
Sept. 19, 1861, 

" 27, " 
May 6, 1864, 



Aug. 28, 1861, 



Oct. I, " 
Feb. 25, " 



Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 28, '64. 

Grave 11,597. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Promoted to Corporal April 23, '65. 
Captured at Boydton Plank Road, Oct. 27, '64. 
Prisoner from Oct. 27, '64 to May 17, '65. 

Discharged June 26, '65. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to July i, '64. 

Deserted. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. - 

Absent at muster out. 

Absent at muster out. 

Re-enlisted Mar. 27, '64. Veteran. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Discharged Jan. 4. '63. Disability. 

Promoted to Corporal April 24, '63. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Absent at muster out. 

Died at Newport News, Va., Sept 6, '62. 

As Private Company B. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 6, '64. 

Discharged May 6, '63. Disability. 

Promoted to Corporal April 24, '63. 

Transferred from 130th Regt. P. V. by Gen. 
Orders No. 223 A. G. O., Harrisburg, Pa., 
to serve out sentence of Court Martial. 

Discharged. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 10, '64. 

Absent at muster out. 

As Private Company I. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, '64. 

Discharged Jan. 28, "65. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22. '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Feb. 13, '65. 

Discharged Nov. r, '64. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Captured at Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 25, '64. 

Prisoner from Aug. 25, '64 to May 17, '65. 

Discharged June 16, '65. 

From Company B. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal Oct. i, '64. 

From Company B. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal Oct. 6, '62. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Grave . 



356 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Privates. 
Flannigan, Edward J. 



Fletcher, John 
Foxhill, Thomas 
Gafifney, Thos. E. 
Gallagher, Owen 

Gaskill, Thomas E. 
Gillen, William 



Glass, Robert 

Green, Wallace 

Griswold, Darius 
Hague, Henry 

Hallowell, Jonathan C. 



Hanson, James H. 
Harvey, Edwin A. 
Harvey, William 
Heed, David R. 
Hess, Henry 
Hollingsworth, James 



Keene, Denny 



Kelly, Francis 



Kelly, Martin 

Kepnear, Albert 
Lamphear. William H. 
Landon, Frank 

Landon, John 

Lee, Philip McDowell 



Sept. 30, 1861, 



May 14, 1864, 

Sept. 20, i85i, 

" 28, " 



May 6, 1864, 

Sept. 2, 1861, 

" 4, " 

" 21, " 

Aug. 28, " 

Sept. 17, " 



Remarks. 



Oct. 
Dec. 


12, 

4. " 
12. " 
II, " 
17, " 


Aug. 


28, " 


Oct. 


16, " 



Aug. 28, " 

April I, 1864, 
Nov. I, 1861, 



Sept. 



Detailed as Sharpshooter. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Discharged Nov. i, '64. 

Not on muster-out roll. 

Discharged Nov. 22, '62. Disability. 

Discharged Dec. 28, '61. 

Deserted. Returned. 

Absent (sick) at muster out. 

Discharged Feb. 14, '63. Disability. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to July I, '64. 

Deserted. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6: 

Discharged Dec. 3, '64. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 30, '63. Veteran. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Discharged Feb. 14, '63. Disability. 

From Company B. Veteran. 

Deserted. Returned. 

Promoted to Corporal Co. H June 13, '65. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to July I, '64. 

Discharged Dec. 6, '64. 

Discharged Dec. 23, '61. Disability. 

Deserted April 30, '62. 

Discharged Feb. 16, '63. Disability. 

Discharged Dec. 23, '61. 

Absent (sick) at muster out. 

From Company B. 

Dishonorably discharged May 29, '64 to da 

from Aug. 25, '64. 
From Company B. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22. '64 to Nov. 25, '64. 
Discharged Feb. 14, '65. 
Deserted Oct. 17, '62. Returned Nov. 14, '( 

to serve out sentence of court martial. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to May 17, '65. 
Discharged June 26, '65. 
From Company B. 
Discharged June 13, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Discharged Nov. i. '64. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6 
Re-enlisted Dec. 30, '63. Veteran. 
Wounded at Boydton Plank road, Dec. 17, 't 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 



COMPANY H 



357 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Lindley, Denton G. 

Long, Anthony, 

Louderbach, Harry A 
Lynch, Thomas 

May, William 
Meennens, Lamon 

Miller, James 
Morgan, John 
Myers, Wm. W. 
McCandless, Samuel 

McCarren, James 



McClure, Silas 
McGreal,' Patrick 



McNamee, Patrick 
Nickels, Oliver 
Nixon, George W. 
Nolen. Hugh 
O'Connell, Thomas 
O'Connell. William 
Olden. Lewis 
Otto, Theodore W. 
Outen, John H. 

Patterson. George 
Price, Gideon 



Quinn, Andrew 
Raker, Geo. W. 



Rawnsley, Frank 



date of 
enlistment. 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



Sept. 20, 



April 14, 1864, 

Oct. 16, 1861, 

May 8, 1864, 

Sept. 25, 1861, 

Nov. I. " 

Sept. 28, " 

April 7, 1864, 



Feb. 3. 



Sept., 21, 1861 
Aug. 28, " 



Oct. 12, " 

1864. 

Sept. 15, 1861, 

April 19. 1864. 

May 7, " 

Oct. 5, 1861, 

Sept. 23, " 

" 12. " 

Aug. 27, " 

Sept. 26. " 

Dec. 31. 1863. 



Sept. 30, 1861. 
Dec. 31. 1863, 



Sept. 10. 1861, 



Remarks. 



From Company L 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 

Discharged Sept. 28, '64. Wounds. 

Wounded accidentally Nov. i, '62. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal May i, '62. 

From Company B. 

Absent (sick) at muster out. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Co. K Mar. i, '62. 

Paroled Prisoner. 

Absent (sick) at muster out. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged Dec. 28, '61. 

Discharged Feb. 13, '63. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to July i, '64. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 29, '64. 

Discharged June 8, '65. 

Discharged Sept. 21, '64. 

From Company B. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Discharged. 

Absent (sick) at muster out. 

Discharged Jan. 28, '63. Disability. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps May 19, '65. 

Deserted Feb. 2t„ '65. 

Discharged Nov. i, '64. 

Transferred to Battery F ist U. S. Artillery. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

From Company L 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal Feb. i, '62 

Transferred from 130th Regt. P. V. by G. O. 
No. 223 A. G. O., Harrisburg, Pa., to 
serve out sentence of Court Martial. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 30, '64. 
Grave 10,074. 

Discharged Feb. 27, '63. Disability. 

Transferred from 130th Regt. P. V. by G. O. 
No. 223 A. G. O., Harrisburg, Pa., to 
serve out sentence of Court Martial. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Discharged Oct. 13, '64. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 



358 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Reed, John 

Reynolds, James C. 

Rich, Isaac H. 

Richards, John 



Roberts, Amos 
Roberts, Asa C. 

Rue, Harvey S. 



Ryan, Thomas 

Schetzline, Baker 

Schabell, Louis 

Sims, Charles 
Smith, William H. 

Smith, William 

Spence, Miller 

Stacy, John 



Stratton, George 
Strawbridge, William 
Thompson, Charles 
Thompson, James 



Thompson. Thomas 
Turner, Nicholas 
Tyler. Alexander B. 
Upjohn, George 
Vanarsdelan, John 



Vanhoff, Charles 
Vaughan, Henry 

Volz, William 
Walker, James 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Sept. 27, 1861, 
Aug. 28, " 

17, " 



Feb. 19, 1864, 



Oct. 16, 1861, 
Feb. 15, 1864, 

Aug. 26, 1861. 



Sept. 25, '• 

Aug. 28, " 

Feb. 13, 1864, 

16, " 

Sept. 20, 1 86 1, 

Aug. 28, " 

Sept. 26, " 

Feb. 19, 1864, 



Nov. 1, 1861, 

Oct. 14, " 

Feb. 16. 1864, 

Sept. 2, 1861, 



Oct. 9, " 
Sept. 22, " 
18. " 
Sept. 25, 1863, 



Sept. 20, 1861, 

Aug. 28, " 

Oct. 14, " 
Sept. 2, " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. i, '63. 
From Company B. Veteran. 
Promoted to Sergeant. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Buried in National Cemetery at Gettysburg. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., Tune 22, '64. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 12, '64. 

Grave 8,602. 
Deserted June 29, '62, at Peach Orchard. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Feb. 15, '65. 
Discharged July 29, '65. 
From Company I. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Dec. 5, '64. 
Discharged Mar. 6, '65. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va.. Dec. 13, '62, 
Discharged May 14, '63. Wounds. 
From Company B. Veteran. 
Discharged Mar. 27, '65. 
From Company I. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65, 
Promoted to Principal Musician June 13, '65, 
Re-enlisted Dec. 30, '63. Veteran. 
Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
From Company I. 
Discharged Nov. 18, '64. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
Discharged Feb. 17, '63. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to July i, '64. 
Discharged Jan. 17, '65. 
Discharged Feb. 14, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Feb. 7, '6;^. Disability. 
Promoted to Corporal Oct. 6, '62. 
Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Transferred from 130th Regt. P. V. by G. O, 

197, A. G. O., Harrisburg, to serve out 

sentence of Court Martial. 
Discharged. 

Deserted Sept. 17, '62. Antietam. 
From Company B. Veteran. 
Clustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Discharged Mar. 5, '63. Disability. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 



COMPANY H 



359 



Name and Rank. 


DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 


Privates. 






Warrenton, John H. 


April 


29, 1864, 


Weiderman, Frederick 
Whelan, William 
Whitcomb, Chas. H. 


Sept. 

Oct. 

Sept. 


17, 1861, 

15, " 
21, " 


Willard, George T. 


Oct. 


20 " 


Williams George E. 
Williamson, John 


April 


10, '■' 

7, 1864, 


Wilson, George 
Wilson, Robert 


Oct. 
Sept. 


1, 1861, 
20, " 



Remarks. 



Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 26, '64. 

Grave 11,448. 
Promoted to Corporal May i, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 23, '62. Disability. 
Deserted April 5, '62. Returned April 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 
Discharged Mar. 28, '65. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps, Nov. 
Discharged Nov. 24, '65. 
Deserted Oct. 12, '61. Philadelphia. 
From Company B. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Mar. 
Discharged July 28, '65. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26, 
Discharged Dec. 7, '64. 



•64. 



I, '63. 
I, '63. 

3, '62. 



II, '65. 



'64. 
'64. 



360 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY I. 

This Company was recruited in Philadelphia, by Captain Robert 
H. Ford, assisted by Lieutenant Eugene Foliet, and was mustered 
into the United States' Service, August 24, 1861, with rendezvous 
at Bull's Head, West Philadelphia, and left Philadelphia with the 
Regiment, on September 30, 1861, but not having the full com- 
plement of men required, twenty-four were transferred from 
Company C, in October, 1861, while encamped at Camp Obser- 
vation, near Poolesville, Md. 

This Company numbered originally three officers and eighty- 
one men, including the twenty-four received from Company C. 
Received two officers and one man in 1862, and one man in 1864; 
making a total of eighty-eight. Of these six men were killed, one 
officer and thirty-three men wounded, six men captured, one 
officer and four men died of disease contracted in the service, 
and two of wounds, and one in Rebel prisons, two officers and 
seven men discharged for disability and nine for wounds, one 
officer dismissed from service, one man discharged for promotion, 
twenty deserted, four of whom returned, three transferred to 
Veteran Reserve Corps and one to Company H ; leaving two 
officers and sixteen men that were mustered out with the Com- 
pany September 10, 1864. 

[This roll corrected from full set of original muster rolls kindly loaned 
by Captain Robert H. Ford, and believed to be correct in every particular.] 



COMPANY I 



361 



COMPANY I. 



Name and Rank. 



Captain. 
Robert H. Ford, 

1st Lieutenants. 
Eugene Foliet, 
Charles Wetzler, 



Theodore Wharton, 



Samuel L. Hibbs, 



2d Lieutenants. 
Charles Wetzler, 
Theodore Wharton, 
Samuel L. Hibbs, 
William A. Hughes, 



1st Sergeants. 
William A. Hagy, 
James D. Witter, 



Sergeants. 
James M. Phillips, 



James D. Witter. 
William A. Hughes, 

Joseph Cummings. 
Jacob Booth, 



date of 

enlistment. 



Aug. 24, 1 86 1, 



28, 



24, " 

28, " 

n it 

24, " 



28, " 
24, " 



Remarks. 



Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



Died at Yorktown, Va., April 24, '62. 
As 2d Lieutenant. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant May i, '62. 
Accidentally shot himself at Harrison's Land- 
ing July 9, '62. 
Discharged Sept. 6, '62. 
As Sergeant-Major. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant May I, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Sep. 6, '62. 
Dismissed the service Dec. 7, '62. 
As Quartermaster Sergeant. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Sept. 6, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant March i, '63. 
Discharged Dec. 14, '63. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant May i, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Sept. 6, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant March i, '63. 
As Sergeant. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant March i, '63. 
On detached service with Ambulance Corps 

since promotion. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant Major Sent. 19, '62. 
As Sergeant. 

Promoted to 1st Sergeant Sept. 19, '62. 

Wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, '62. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Wounded at Haymarket, Va., June 25, '63. 
Discharged April 16, '64. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Sept. 19, '62. 
On detached service as Mail Carrier. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant March i, '63. 
Discharged Sept. 15, '6;^. Disability. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 19, '62. 
Reduced to the ranks by sentence of Court 
Martial Feb. 14, '63. 



362 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Jacob Booth, 
Reuben Drainsfield, 

James Perry, 



John Moran, 
Henry Rainsberger, 

John Rodgers, 
Jefferson Arthur, 



Jacob Pyewell, 
Samuel Hill, 

Jos. R. C. Ward, 



Musicians. 
Jos. R. C. Ward, 



Eugene Budson, 

Privates. 
Allen, David 



Baldwin, Francis M. 
Barber, George 
Blackburn, William 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 24, 1861, 



28, 
26. 



24. 



28, " 

24, " 

26, " 

24, " 



Remarks. 



Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 19, '62. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 15, '62. 
Lost two fingers accidentally at Harrison's 

Landing, Va., July 10, '62. 
On detached service Ambulance Corps. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
Discharged May 3, '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 19, '63. Wounds. 
Deserted at Harrison's Landing, Va., July 6, '62. 
Captured at Malvern Hill, Va., July i, '62. 
Exchanged Aug. 20 and returned for duty 

Oct. 9, '62. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 30, '64. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged Jan. 25, '65. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Wounded at Haymarket, Va., June 25, '63. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 15, '63. 
As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. 19, '62. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 
As Musician. 
Appointed Chief of Orderlies at Headquarters 

2d Division, 2d Corps. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 
Promoted to Corporal June 16, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



Detailed as Mounted Orderly at Headquarters 
2d Division, 2d Corps, April 15, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal June 16, '64 by order 
of Major General John Gibbon. 

Returned to the ranks. 



Wounded at Haymarket, Va., June 22, '63. 
Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '6i. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 
Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 
Deserted Aug. 6, '62 and joined the 2d U. S. 

Cavalry. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 



COMPANY I 



363 





DATE OF 






Name and Rank. 


ENLISTMENT. 


Remarks. 




Privates. 








Booth, Jacob 




As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant Sept. 19, '62. 

Reduced to the ranks Feb. 14, '63. 








Wounded at Haymarket, Va., June 25 


'63. 






Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, 


'64. 


Boston, John 


Aug. 26, 1861, 


Discharged Dec. 28, '61. Disability. 




Brown, George 


24, " 


Deserted Sept. 9, '61. 




Brown, Richard 


" 26, " 


Injured at Conrad's Ferry, Md., , 

Discharged July 28, '62. Disability. 


'62. 


Budson, Eugene 


" 28, " 


Deserted Dec. 13, '62. 




Campbell, Isaac 


" 24, '^1 


Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 


'62. 


Carroll, John 




Deserted Sept. 20, '61. 




Collins, William 


" 26, " 


Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 
Discharged , -. 


13, '62. 


Comfort, Isaac M. 


" 28. " 


Discharged July 8, '62. Disability. 




Crowl, James 


« a (( 


Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 


'64. 






Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Nov. 26. 


'64. 






Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 






Discharged Jan. 28, '65. 




Cummings, John 


" 26, " 


Deserted Oct. 27, '62. 




Eshback, Henry 


" " " 


Discharged Feb. 28, '63. Disability. 




Fajan, Julien 


July II, 1862, 


Deserted at Harrison's Landing, Va. 

II, '62. 
Returned to Hospital and was finally 


Aug. 












discharged May 16, '63. 




Faunce. Thomas 


Aug. 26. 1 86 1, 


Discharged Dec. 28, '61. Disability. 




Fitzpatrick, Thomas 


" " " 


Discharged Feb. 28, '63. Disability. 




Fulton, James 


" 28, " 


Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29 


"'62. 


Gamble, William 


" 26. " 


Died at Falmouth. Va., Dec. 28, '62. 




Hardy. Lawrence 


24, " 


Deserted Oct. 12, '61. 




Helfstine, William 


'• 26, " 


Discharged Dec. 28, '62. Disability. 




Hider, Joshua M. 


" " " 


Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 








Buried in National Cemetery at Gettysburg, 






Section F. Grave 22, 




Hill, Samuel 


it It tt 


Promoted to Corporal Sept. 19, '62. 




Hunter, George R. 


(( (( (( 


Wounded at Savage Station. Va., June 


29. '62. 






Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3 


'64. 






Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, 


'64. 


Jones, Joseph 


(( « <( 


Discharged Feb. 16, '63. Disability. 




Keiner, David 


24. " 


Died at General Hospital May 12, '62. 




Lindley, Denton G. 


" 28, " 


Deserted Feb. 14. '63. Returned Nov. 2 


,'63. 






Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3 


'64. 






Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 






Discharged Sept. 28, '64. Wounds. 




Marrow, Hugh 


" 24, " 


Wounded at Savage Station. Va., June 
Discharged Sept. 10. '62. Wounds. 


29, '62, 


Martin, John 




Deserted Sept. 14, '61. 




Martin. William 




Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 


12, '64. 


Morriman, Thomas 


" " " 


Deserted Oct. 12. '61. 




Mudford, Alfred J. 


tt 11 « 


On detached service at Hospital. 








Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, 


'64. 


Myers, George E. 


>( •( <( 


Discharged Feb. 28. '63. Disability. 





364 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 


DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 


Privates. 






McClain, John 


Aug. 


26, 1861, 


McManus, William 
McMullen, William 


" 


28. " 

24, " 


McNalley, Peter 


" 


28, " 


Neaman, Henry 


" 


24. " 


Nipe, John 




26, " 


O'Leary, James 


" 


24, " 


Outen, John H. 


" 


" " 


Rafferty. John 
Ray, John 


« 


26, " 



Roe, Thos. D. G. 
Rowan, Daniel 

Roxborough. Charles 

Rue, Harvey S. 

Schabell. Louis 

Settle, Richard 

Sheilds, George 
Sherer, Patrick 
Smith, Charles W. 

Smith. John 
Smith, William 



Spicer, Godfrey 
Sterling, Hector 

Stevenson, John 
Sullard, David M. 

Sullivan. John 
Swaim. William 
Teil. Samuel 
Walton. Edward 



Remarks. 



" 


28, " 


" 


26. " 


Feb. 


14, 1864 


Aug. 


26. 1 86 1 


" 


24. ;: 


" 


28. " 



26, " 



" 


28. 
26, 


<i 


II 


24, 
26, 


"' 


Aug. 


26, 


1 861 


« 


24, 
26, 


« 



Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '6. 

Discharged May 5, '63. Wounds. 

Discharged Jan. 27, '62. Disability. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '6 

Died at Baltimore, Md., Oct. — , '62. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged Feb. 12. '63. Wounds. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, June 6, '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

On detached service as Teamster. 

Discharged Aug. 27. '64. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va.. Dec. 13, '6; 

Discharged March 25. '63. Wounds. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6. '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted Oct. 12, '61. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '6: 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Died at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va.. May 6. '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Discharged Aug. 28, "64. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64 to Dec. 5, '64. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistmen 

Discharged March 6. '65. 

W^ounded at Cold Harbor. Va., June 8. '64. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistmen 

Discharged June 30, '65. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor. Va.. June 3. '64. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted Sept. 20, '61. 

Deserted Sept. 8. '61. 

Wounded at Savage Station. Va.. June 29, '6; 

Discharged Feb. 14, '63. 

Discharged July 22. '62. Disability. 

Deserted . Returned Dec. 19. '63. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out sentence. 
Discharged Nov. 18, '64. 
Discharged Oct. 23. '62. Disability. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 
Discharged Dec. 20, '62. Wounds. 
Killed at Savage Station. Va.. June 29. '64. 
Died at Arlington. Va.. Sept. 8, '64. 
Buried in Arlington Cemetery. Va. 
Discharged Oct. 22. '62. Disability. 
Deserted Sept. 30. '61. 
Discharged Dec. 14. '63. Disability. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor. Va.. Jvme 3, '64. 
Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 



COMPANY I 



365 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Watts, Jackson 
Watts, John K. 
Whartenaby, Henry 

Wicker, William 
Wireman, Thomas 
Woods, Thomas 

Yates, William 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 27, 1861, 

26, " 



24, 



26. " 



Remarks. 



Deserted Dec. 31, '61. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

On detachd service Ambulance Corps. 

Mustered out with Company Sept. 10, '64. 

Deserted Oct. 12, '61. 

Deserted Sept. 12, '61. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Deserted at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Dec. 15, '63. 



366 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY K. 

This Company was not organized until February, 1862, and 
then at BoUvar Heights, Va. Although a Company of Sappers 
and Miners that had been organized by Captain Woodward, was 
assigned to the Regiment and expected to remain as an indepen- 
dent company ; but the government, not recognizing independent 
companies, and they refusing to become one of the companies of 
the Regiment, were ordered to be discharged, and a number of 
men that had been recruited in Philadelphia by Lieutenants Temple 
and Wessels were then organized into a company with Captain 
Martin Frost and about twenty men from the Sixty-Ninth Regi- 
ment, and was mustered into the United States' Service as Com- 
pany K of the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, February 28, 1862. 

The Company had originally three officers and ninety-three 
men; received in 1864 two officers and six men; making a total 
of one hundred and four. Of these one officer, and seven men 
were killed, and four officers and twenty-seven men wounded, 
and thirteen captured, seventeen re-enlisted, one officer and seven- 
teen men discharged for disability, and one officer and three men 
for wounds, four for promotion, seven deserted, two transferred 
to Veteran Reserve Corps, fourteen died of disease, three of 
wounds, and two in rebel prisons. This being one of the three 
companies retained to form the Battalion, received those enlisted 
men whose term of service had not expired from the other com- 
panies as follows : Company A, fourteen. Company D, twenty-one, 
and from Company G, five and four officers. This increased the 
total number of members to 148, and after deducting the above 
losses forty-one were discharged upon the expiration of their 
term of service ; leaving one officer and twenty-two men that 
were mustered out with the Company June 30, 1865 



COMPANY K 



367 



COMPANY K. 

* These oflScers held their commissions and the non-commissioned offlcers their appointments in 
this Company after their consolidation into the Battalion and not in the original Company. 



Name and Rank. 



Captains. 
Martin C. Frost, 
Theodore J. Fimple, 

Francis Wessels, 



date of 
enlistment. 



L. D. C. Tyler*, 



John H. Gallagher*, 

1st Lieutenants. 
Theo. J. Fimple, 
Francis Wessels, 
William May, 



Ralph B. Clarke*, 
John Irwin*, 

Edward J. Lathorp*, 



Dec. 31, 1861, 



Feb. 28, 1862, 



Aug. 28, 1 86 1, 



17, 



Dec. 31, " 
Feb. 28, 1862. 
June IS, " 



Aug. 12, 1861, 
27, " 

" 14, " 



2d Lieutenants. 
Francis Wessels, 
William May, 



Feb. 28, 1862, 
June 15, " 



Remarks. 



Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., June 8, '62. 

As 1st Lieutenant. 

Promoted to Captain June 15, '62. 

Discharged Jan. 26, '63. 

As 2d Lieutenant. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 15, '62. 

Promoted to Captain May i, '63. 

Wounded at Bristoe Station, Va., Oct. 14, '63. 

Brevetted Major and Lieut.-Col. Mar. 15, '65. 

Com. Lieut-Colonel June 23, '65. Not must'd. 

Transferred to Co. H to serve out enlistment. 

Mustered out with Battalion June 30, '65. 

As Captain Company H. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Dec. 18, '64. 

Discharged Jan. i, '65. 

See Company A. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 



Promoted Captain June 15. '62. 

Promoted Captain May i, '63. 

As Private Company H. 

Promoted to ist Sergeant Co. K March i, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenat June 15, '62. 

Wounded at Flint Hill, Sept. i, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant May i, '63. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.. July 2, '63. 

Discharged Nov. 23, '63. Wounds. 

Promoted to Adjutant Jan. 24. '65. 

Transferred from Company D. 

Discharged Oct. 6, '64. 

As Corporal Company F. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Captured at Savage Station. Va., June 29, '62. 

Prisoner from June 29, '62 to , — . 

Promoted to Sergeant March 21, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant Major Sept. i, '64. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant Co. K Jan. 24, '65. 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 



Promoted to ist Lieutenant June 15, '62. 
Promoted to ist Lieutenant May i, '63. 



368 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



2d Lieutenants. 
Horace B. Rutherford 



Ralph B. Clarke*, 
1st Sergeants. 
William May, 
Alvin Foss, 



William L. Brown, 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Sergeants. 
Richard Grogan, 

Joseph D. Parker, 

Charles DeFrance, 

George W. Moyer, 
Alvin Foss, 
Horace B. Rutherford 
William L. Brown, 
Henry Osborn, 



James C. Wright, 
Joseph J. B. Strohm*, 

William E. Wagner*, 



Nov. 1, 1861, 



Aug. 12, 

Oct. 16, 
Dec. 12, 



Aug. 28, 



Remarks. 



Dec. 9, " 

Nov. 30, " 
Jan. 3, 1862, 

Dec. 9, 1861, 

" 12, " 
Nov. I, " 

Aug. 28, " 
Dec. 9, " 

Jan. 3, 1862, 

Aug. 17, 1861, 

" 28. " 



As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Feb. 28, '62. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 15, '62. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant May i, '62,. 

Discharged Sept. 22, '64. 

Promoted to ist Lieutenant Oct. 31, '64. 

Promoted to 2d Lieutenant June 15, '62. 
As Corporal. 

Wounded at Flint Hill, Va., Sept. i, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant June 15, '62. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant May i, '63. 
Killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, '64. 
As Private. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '63. 
Promoted to Sergeant Dec. 29, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29. '63. Veteran. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant May 12, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6; 
Deserted at Falmouth, Va., March — , '63. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6: 
Discharged Nov. 30, '64. 
Detached to Ambulance Corps. 
Discharged Dec. 31, '64. 
Deserted at Fair Oaks, Va., June 13, '62. 
Promoted to Sergeant May i, '63. 
Promoted to 2d Lieutenant May I, '63. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant May 12, '64. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant April i, '63. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
As Corporal. 

Promoted to Sergeant May i, '63. 
Discharged Oct. 6. '64. 
As Corporal Company A. Veteran. 
Promoted to ist Sergeant Nov. l, '62. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6i 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Killed at Hatcher's Run, March 25, '65. 
As Private Company A. Veteran. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62 
Promoted to Corporal Dec. 30, '63. 
Wounded three times at Spottsylvania, Va, 

May 12, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant May 16, '64. 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '6s 



COMPANY K 



369 



Name and Rank. 



DATE OF 
EXLISTIIEXT. 



Sergeants. 
Charles F. Randall*, 



Isaac N. Harvey*, 



Corporals. 
Mark O'Neill, 
Henry Osborn, 
John H. Burton, 
David P. Templeton, 
Henry Darrah, 



James C. Wright, 
George J. Henry. 
Horace B. Rutherford, 
Alvin Foss, 
Giles M. Coons*, 



Wilson J. Scudder*, 



William L. Brown. 
Isaac Hai"vey. 
Edward Mathews*, 



Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 



Feb. 2, 1862, 



Peter W. Schick*, Aug. 27, 1861, 



Nov. 24, 1 86 1, 

Dec. 9, " 

Nov. 30, " 

Dec. 12, " 

Sept. 7, " 



Jan. 3, 1862, 

Nov. 30, 1861, 

" I, " 

Dec. 12, " 

Aug. 26, " 



27, 



28, •' 
Feb. 2, 1862, 
Mar. I, " 



Remarks. 



William H. Brady*, 



George Long*, 



17, 



Mar. 16, 1864, 



William Black*. ' Mar. 2,1862, 



As Private Company D. Veteran. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant Jan. i, '65. 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 
As Private. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, "62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal Sept. i, '64. 
Promoted to Sergeant March 26, '65. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 



Discharged Feb. 6. '63. 

Promoted to Sergeant April i, '62,. 

Discharged June 12. '65. 

Deserted IMay 16. '63. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Died at Washington, D. C., July 14, '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant May i, '63. 

Discharged Nov. 30. '64. 

Promoted to Sergeant July. ^62. 

Promoted to Sergeant June 15. '62. 

As Corporal Company D. Veteran. 

Wounded at Antietam. ]\Id., Sept. 17. '62. 

Promoted Commissarj- Sergeant Oct. i, '64. 

As Corporal Company D. Veteran. 

Wounded at Wilderness. Va., May 6, '64. 

Died at Annapolis. Md.. Sept. 24. "64. Wounds. 

Promoted to Sergeant Dec. 29, '63. 

Promoted to Sergeant ^larch 26. '65. 

As Private Company D. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va.. June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64 to July 2, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i. '65. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30. '65. 

As Private Company D. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '65. 

Prisoner from June 22. '64 to May 17. '65. 

^Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Company A. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '65. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Company D. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i. '65. 

Wounded at Hatcher's Run, Va., March 25, '65. 

Discharged July 27, '65. 

As Private Company D. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 



370 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Corporals. 
Silas N. Dann*, 

Thomas M. Tebo*, 



George Redfoot*, 



Edward O'Neill*, 



William H. Abrams*, 



Musicians. 
Lewis W. Grantier, 
Hiram W. Landon, 

Lewis W. Tebo, 

Privates. 
Andrews, Cephus 



Barnes, Beni. F. 
Bassatt, Warren, 

Biller, Thomas 

Black, William 

Brady, William H. 
Brown, Isaac 

Brown, William L. 
Camp, William E. 
Carey, James G. 



date of 
enlistment. 



Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 

" 28, " 



Nov. 24, " 

Aug. 28, " 

Feb. 28, 1862, 

" 2. '■ 

Aug. 28, 1861, 

Feb. 28, 1862, 

Jan. 4, 1862, 



April 8, 1864 

Mar. 2, 1862 

Aug. 17, 1 86 1 
April 5, 1862 

Aug. 28, 1861 

Mar. 29, 1864; 



Remarks. 



As Private Company D. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '( 

As Private. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

As Private. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to March i, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Discharged Dec. 12, '65. 

Lost foot from effects of Rebel prison. 

As Private. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '( 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

As Corporal Company G. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 

Discharged June 8, '65. 

Promoted Principal Musician Dec. 31, '63. 
Promoted to Fife Major. 
Died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Sept. 24, '62. 
Died at Finley Hospital, Jan. 2, '63. 
Buried Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. 

Losing left leg. 
Discharged Dec. 28, '64. Wounds. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Accidentally shot himself at Harrison's Lan 

ing, Va. 
Discharged Oct i, '62. 

Died from the wound after reaching home. 
Wounded. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 
As Private Company D. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 
Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '65. 
As Private Company G. Veteran. 
Mustered out with this Company June 30, '( 
Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '63. 
Deserted April 4, '62. 
As Private Company D. 
Discharged March 25, '65. 



COMPANY K 



371 



Name and Rank. 


DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 


Privates. 




Clark, Justus J. 


Jan. 2, 1862, 


Dann, Silas N. 


Aug. 27, 1861, 


Davis, William 




Densmore, Robert 


Dec. 9, " 


Dubbs, John A. 


Aug. 17 " 



Eva, James H. 



Fairchilds, W. W. 
Filby, Andrew 
Finfrock, Alfred 



Fizell, Lewis 



Forster, James 

Foss, Alvin 
Flannery, John 



Fries, John 
Gee, Richard 

Gee, Samuel 

Gilligan, Andrew 

Green, Daniel 



Green, John 
Griswold, Austin S. 
Grover, Josiah T. 

Haight, Alex. 

Hallem, Giles R. 
Harlan, George 



Harrington, Geo. W. 



Nov. I, 



Nov. 
Mar. 


30, " 

21, 1864 


May 


4. " 


April 


27, " 


Jan. 


15, 1862, 



Remarks. 



Dec. 10, 1861, 



Mar. 
Aug. 

Nov. 
Aug. 



Nov. 
Aug. 



I, 1864, 
17, 1861, 



24, 

29, " 
28, " 



I. 
28, " 



Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged. 

As Private Company D. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Discharged Sept. 15, '62. 

Discharged April 9, '63. 

As Private Company A. Veteran. 

Deserted June 4, '65. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 

Lost left arm at shoulder. 

Discharged Sept. 26, '64. Wounds. 

Killed at Fair Oaks June 8, '62. 

Discharged June 12. '65. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 

Died at Washington. D. C, April 20, '65. 

Buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. 

As Private Company A. 

Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 18, '64. 

Discharged from Hospital. 

As Private Company A. 

Discharged. 

Promoted to Corporal June 15, '62. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 18, '64. 

Grave 11,112, as J. Planning. 
Discharged Nov. 20, '63. 

Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 8. '62. 
Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 
Discharged April 7, '63. 

Captured at Boydton Plank road Oct. 27, '64. 
Prisoner from Oct. 2y, '64 to Feb. 17, '65. 
Discharged June 6, '65. 
As Private Company A. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 26, '65. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 

Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Discharged Oct. 28, '62. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Discharged Nov. i, '64. 
As Private Company D. Veteran. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. 
Wounded at Cold' Harbor, Va., Jan. 3, '64. 
Discharged. 

Wounded at White Oak Swamp, Va., July i, '62. 
Discharged Aug. 20, '62. 



372 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Harrington, P. D. 



Harris, John 



Harvey, Isaac 
Herold, Conrad 



Hickman, Thomas 
Holt, Joseph 



Holcomb, Kingsley O. 
Jones, Robert 
Kimball, Jacob S. 

King, Edward 



La Barre. John D. 
Larabee, Martin H. 

Lee, John H. 

Leetz, James W. 

Long, George 

Lott, William H. 

McBride, John 

McCann. Francis 

McClay, John 
McCormack, John 
McGuffin, Hugh 

McGinn, Owen 

McVey, John 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Feb. 29, 1864, 

April 16, " 
Feb. 2, 1862, 

Aug. 17, 1861, 
Sept. 4, " 



Dec. 9, " 

Mar. ID, 1864, 

April 13, " 

Jan. 3. 1862, 



Mar. 16, 1864. 
Aug. 27, 1 86 1, 

Oct. I, " 



Remarks. 



As Private Company D. 

Wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 6, '64. 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., Jan. 3, '64. 

Discharged March 25, "65. 

As Private Company A. 

Captured at Petersburg. Va., June 22, '64. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 10, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal Sept. i, '64. 

Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '6: 

Returned in July, '62, sent to Hospital an 

discharged. 
As Private Company A. Veteran. 
Dishonorably discharged June 13, '65. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '6. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, "64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to , . 

Discharged. 

Deserted July — , '63. 

Discharged Sept. 13, '62. 

As Private Company D. 

Discharged June 27, '65. 

As Private Company A. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to — — , — . 

Discharged. 

Discharged Jan. 3, '65. 

Died at Washington, D. C, Nov. 30, '62. 

Buried at Military Asylum Cemetery. D. C. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, '62. 

Discharged April 16, '63. Wounds. 

Died at Alexandria. Va., Oct. 7, '62. 

Buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C. 

As Private Company D. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '65. 

As Corporal Company G. Veteran. 

Deserted. Returned. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '6, 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged June 12. '65. 

Died at Baltimore Jan. 5, '63. 

Discharged March 26, '63. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, '62. 

Discharged July 12, '65. 

Wounded at Antietam, Md.. Sept. 17, '62. 

Died Oct. 17, '62 of same. 

Buried in Antietam Cemetery. 



COMPANY K 



373 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Maloney, James 

Mathews, Edward 

Mathews, Thomas 

Mellon, William 

Michaels, George 

Miller, George W. 

Mills, Abbott A. 

Morse. Andrew 
Morse. Leonard 
Mounts, James 
Muldoon, Bernard 

Murphy, John 

Nelson, German H. 

Newell. Albert 

Newell, Warren J. 

O'Connell. Patrick 
O'Neill. Edward 
Paddick, Lewis 



Page. William 
Pierce, John W. 
Porter, Andrew 



Pratt, Wellington E. 

Quinn, James 
Quirk, Thomas 
Randall, Chas. F. 

Redfoot, George 
Reeves. William T. 
Rosencrans, William 



DATE OF 

ENLISTMENT. 



Jan. 

Mar. 

Mar. 



3, 1862, 
I, " 
I, " 



Remarks. 



Aug. 17, 1861, 



Jan. 
Dec. 

Jan. 
June 



17, 1864. 

9. 1861, 

10. " 
3- 1862, I 

15. 1864. 



Oct. I, 1861, 



Feb. 


28, 


1862 


Aug. 


15- 

27, 


1861 


Oct. 

Nov. 
Feb. 


I. 
24. 
28. 


1862 


Nov. 
Jan. 
Dec. 


30. 
2. 

ID, 


1S61 
1862 
1861 


Nov. 


26. 


" 


Mar. 


21, 


1864 


Aug. 


26, 
28, 


1861 



Dec. 12, 



Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Discharged June 12. '65. 

As Private Company D. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. i, '65. 

As Private Company D. Veteran. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va.. June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to May 17, '65. 

Discharged June 26, '65. 

Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Prisoner from June 22, '64 to Feb. 28, '65. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

As Private Company A. Veteran. 

Mustered out with this Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Compan}' G. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 30, '63. 

Died at Harper's Ferry, Va.. March 6, '62. 

Discharged Jan. 3, '65. 

Died at Baltimore, Md.. July 23, '62. 

As Private Company G. 

Captured at Boydton Plank road Oct. 27. '64. 

Prisoner from Oct. 27. '64 to Feb. 21, '65. 

Discharged July 6. '65. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, '62. 

Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 30, '63. 

Discharged June 26. '65. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Company A. Veteran. 

Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 

As Private Company D. 

Discharged May 12. '65. 

Discharged Oct. 4, '64. 

Promoted to Corporal June 13, '65. 

Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, '62. 

Prisoner from June 29. '62 to Nov. 12, '62. 

Killed at Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 25. '64. 

Died at Fort Monroe, Va.. Aug. 16, '62. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, Va.. Aug. 13, '62. 

Accidentally shot at Harrison's Landing, Va., 

Aug. — . '62. 
Discharged Sept. 25, '62. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va.. Dec. 13, '62. 
Discharged April 3. '63. Wounds. 
Absent (sick) at muster out of Company. 
Died at Newport News, Va., Aug. 19, '62. 
As Private Company D. Veteran. 
Promoted to Sergeant Jan. i. '65. 
Promoted Corporal June 13, '65. 
Discharged May 15, '63. 
Deserted Sept. 18, '62. 



374 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 
Rowbottom, James 

Rutherford, Horace B. 
Riggs, Samuel C. 



Rittew, Charles 

Riley, John 

Salsman, George W. 
Savercool, Abraham 



Sawyer, Robert W. 
Sellers, Joseph S. 

Schick, Peter W. 

Scott, Allen 

Sigman. Philip 
Smith, Gilbert R. 



Spaulding. James W. 
Stevens, Jacob K. 
Stewart, Frank E. 

Tebo, Thomas M. 
Tillotson, C. Wesley 
Thomas, John 



Trout, Burton W. 



Trout, Daniel 
Vance, James H. 

Waldron, George W. 



DATE OF 
ENLISTMENT. 



Aug. 17, 1861, 

Nov. I, " 

(( (t it 

May 7, 1864. 

5. " 

Dec. 12, 1861, 

" 7, " 



Feb. 27, 1862, 

Aug. 26, 1 86 1. 

Mar. I, " 

Nov. 10, " 

Aug. 28. " 



Dec. TO. " 

Mar. 24. 1864, 

Nov. 30. 1 861, 

Aug. 28, " 

Jan. 3, 1862, 

Mar. 3, 1864. 



Aug. 27. 1861. 



Nov. 30, " 
Aug. 17. " 



Rem.\rks. 



As Private Company A. Veteran. 

Discharged June 12, '65. 

Promoted to Corporal Feb. 28, '62. 

As Private Company D. Veteran. 

Wounded at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 't 

Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., Jan. 4, '64. 

Discharged July 15, '65. 

As Private Company A. 

Promoted Quartermaster Sergt. April 16, '6= 

As Private Company A. 

Discharged. 

Discharged Feb. 9, '63. 

Captured at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 't 

Prisoner from June 29, '62 to Sept. 8, '62. 

Discharged Feb. 24, '63. 

Discharged Oct. 3, '63. 

As Private Company G. 

Discharged Feb. 28, '65. 

As Private Company D. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal Jan. I, '65. 

As Private Company D. 

Discharged Feb. 28, "65. 

Discharged Nov. 30, '64. 

Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 

Died at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 

Buried in Poplar Grove Cemetery, Petersbur 

Va. Section D, Grave iii. 
Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, '65. 
Deserted Aug. 28, '62. Returned. 
Discharged Nov. 30, '64. 
Promoted Corporal June 13, '65. 
Discharged Jan. 3. '65. 
As Private Company D. 
Wounded at Boydton Plank Road, Va., 0< 

27. '64. 
Discharged May 16. '65. Wounds. 
As Private Company D. 
Wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, '64. 
Prisoner from Jvme 22, '64 to Feb. 27, '65. 
Discharged April I, '65. 
Absent (sick) at muster out of Company. 
Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps Nov. 15, 't 
Discharged June 13, '65. 
As Private Company A. Veteran. 
Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 7, '62. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, '63. 
Captured at Spottsylvania, Va.. May 12, '64. 
Prisoner from May 12, '64 to Dec. 14, '64. 
Discharged June 12, '65. 



COMPANY K 



375 





DATE OF 






Name and Rank. 








Remarks. 






ENLISTMENT. 






Privates. 












Ward, Robert W. 


Nov. 


30, 


1861. 


Wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 
Discharged June 12, '65. 


'62. 


Watts, Justis 


Aug. 


28, 




Re-enKsted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, 


'65. 


Watson, William 








Discharged March 30, '63. 




Wilbur, Lewis N. 




27, 




As Private Company D. 
Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 
Captured at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 
Died at Florence, S. C. 


13, '62. 
'64. 


Wilhelm, John R. 


Nov. 


30, 


« 


Mustered out with Company June 30, 


'6S. 


Windell, William H. 


Oct. 


I, 




Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 
Discharged Nov. 11, '64. 


13, '62. 


White, Joseph 


Aug. 


28, 




Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 
Re-enlisted Dec. 29, '63. Veteran. 
Mustered out with Company June 30, 


13, '62. 
'65. 


Whitcomb, Charles T. 


Aug. 


II, 


1862, 


As Private Company D. 

Promoted to Principal Musician Mar. 


I. '65. 


Woodward, W L. 


Feb. 


28, 


" 


Discharged June 12, '65. 





ROLL OF DEAD. 



MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED 
IN ACTION. DIED OF WOUNDS OR DISEASE, OR IN REBEL PRISONS. 



NAME. 



Allen, Richard S. 
Armstrong, Samuel '. 
Allen, William 
Anderson, John 
Anderson, Robert 
Anderson, John R. 
Bowman, Isaac 
Beckley, Joshua 
Binker, James 
Blair, Henry P. 
Bothwell, Alexander 
Burness, James 
Bryan, William 
Bryan, Lawson 
Bobb, John 
Bitler, Thomas 

Boustead, Thomas D. 
Blane, John 
Blackburn, William 
Barber, George 
Bassett, Warren 

Brown, William L. 
Curry, William L. 

Chambers, Jas. H. 
Caulfield, John 
Canning, James 
Chacon, Alfred W. 
Carr, Levi 
Comfort. William H. 
Campbell, Michael 
Carley, John 

Clarke, Timothy 

Cowles, Edwin F. 
Crothers, Wilson 
Crowman, Jacob F. 
Caruthers, William 
Carpenter, Joseph 
Campbell, Isaac 
Dibble, William A. 

Davis, Henry 
Daud, Thomas 
Dann, Jasper N. 
Dudley, Mathias 

Dilmer, Henry 
Drainsfield, Reuben 

Darrah, Henry 

Eck, Samuel 
Fesmire, John 

Fitzinger, Samuel 
Fairchild, Wallace 
Foster, Daniel L. 
Fuller, Andrew J. 

Fagan, Thomas 

Fleck, John 



RANK. 


COM- 




PANY. 


Private 


B 


" 


D 


" 


G 


" 


H 


" 


H 


" 


H 


" 


A 


" 


A 


" 


B 


Sergeant 


C 


Private 


C 


" 


E 


2d. Lieut. 


F 


Private 


F 


" 


G 


" 


G 


Sergeant 


H 


Private 


H 


" 


I 


" 


T 


" 


K 


Sergeant 


K 


Lie't Col. 


Field. 


Sergeant 


B 


Private 


B 


" 


B 


" 


B 


" 


C 


" 


C 


" 


E 


" 


E 


Captain. 


F 


Private 


F 


" 


F 


" 


F 


" 


G 


" 


H 


" 


I 


" 


C 


Private 


D 


" 


D 


" 


P 


" 


D 


Private 


H 


Corporal 


I 


Corporal 


K 


Private 


F 


" 


A 


Corporal 


B 


Private 


B 


Corporal 


D 


Private 


D 


Private 


G 


" 


G 



REMARKS. 



Died at Camp Observation, Md., Dec. 17, 1861. 

Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Died at Washington, D. C, October 25, 1862. 

Died at Camp Observation, Md., February 11,1862. 

Died at Lawton, Ga. Date unknown. 

Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Died at Yorktown, Va., May 25, 1862. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Died at Yorktown, Va., April 18, 1862. 

Died at Wilmington, N. C. Date unknown. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 26, 1864. 

Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., June 28, 1864. 

Died of wounds received at Wilderness, Va., May 

6, 1864. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 11, 1864. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 28, 1864. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga. Date unknown. 
Accidentally shot at Harrison's Landing, Va. Died 

from same. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

Died July 7, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsyl- 
vania C. H., Va., May 11, 1864. 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 4, 1864. 
Died at Newport News, Va., Aug. 17, 1862. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 
Killed at Malvern Hill, Va., July i, 1862. 
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., March 23, 1865, effects of 

Rebel prisons. 
Died Sept. 18, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam, 

Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Killed at Weldon Railroad, Va., Aug. 18, 1864. 
Died at Hampton Roads, Va., 1862. 
Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864. 
Died at Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 18, 1863. 
Died at Newport News, Va., Sept. 6, 1862. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 
Died Oct. 5, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam, 

Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Died at Point Lookout, Md., July 26, 1862. 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Died at Ne\v|iort News, Va.. Sept. 22, 1862. 
Died at Fredericksburg, Va., May 19, of wounds 

received at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 16, 1862, of 

wounds received at Savage Station, Va., June 

29, 1862. 
Died at Washington, D. C, July 14, 1864, of wounds 

received at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 
Died at Annapolis, Md., June 22, of wounds re- 
ceived at Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Died at Washington, D. C, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864. 
Died at Falmouth, Va., Dec. 20, 1862, of wounds 

received at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 
Accidentally killed at Camp Observation, Md., Feb. 

2u. 1862. 
Died at Washington, D. C, Jan. 5, 1863. 



378 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



NAME. 



Fisher, George 
Foliet, Eugene F. 
Fulton, James 
Frost, Martin C. 
Foss, Alvin 
Fairchild, W. W. 
Finfrock, Alfred 
Flannery, John 
Gerity, Thomas 
Griffith, Jessie L. 
Grover, George 
Gage, Joshua A. 
Gardner, Henry 
Gardener, John 
Gamble, William 
Gee, Richard 
Green, John 
Hickman, Charles E. 
Harris, John 
Hartman, Wenzell 
Hudson, James C. 

Hayburn, Samuel 
Hickok, Charles H. 
Haws, William H. 
Hall, James H. 
Holcomb, Ellery J. 
Harding, Wickham 
Harrington, Henry 
Humble, Jacob 
Hider, Joshua M. 
Tames, Samuel T. 
Kelly, William 
King, Abram 
King, Robert M. 
Kilmer, William E, 
Kelly, Michael 
Krupp, Georsfe 
Kearney, John O. 
Keiner, David 
Lukens, Charles 
Landon, Levi T. 
Levi, David 
Landries, George W. 
Little, Myron t. 
Leggett, Walter 
Louderbock, Henry A. 
Landon, Hiram W, 
Larabee, Martin H. 
Letz, James W. 
Morris, George W. 
McNeal. William 
Matthews, Robert 
Mason, George G. 
Manley, William H. 

Mann, William. 
Morrell, David 
Mountenay, John 
McCombs. John 
McLaughlin, John 
McCoy, Henry 

McCall, William 
McCorkey, James 
Magargle. Samuel 
Muir, William H. 
Martin, William 
McMullen, William 
Morse, Andrew 
Mounts, James 



RANK. 


COM- 




PANY. 


Private 


H 


ist Lieut. 


I 


Private 


I 


Captain 


K 


I St Serg't 


K 


Private 


K 


Private 


K 


" 


K 


" 


C 


Corporal 


C 


Private 


C 


2d. Lieut. 


D 


Private 


F 


" 


t 


" 


I 


" 


K 


" 


K 


Sergeant 


A 


Private 


A 


" 


A 


** 


A 


Corporal 


B 


Sergeant 


C 


Private 


C 


Sergeant 


D 


Corporal 


D 


Private 


D 


" 


D 


" 


G 


" 


I 


Sergeant 


B 


Private 


C 


" 


D 


" 


D 


" 


D 


" 


E 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


I 


" 


A 


" 


C 


" 


C 


" 


E 


" 


F 


" 


G 


Corporal 


H 


Musician 


Staff 


Private 


K 


" 


K 


" 


A 


Corporal 


C 


" 


D 


Private 


D 


" 


D 


« 


E 


" 


E 


" 


E 


" 


E 


" 


E 


Corporal 


F 


Private 


F 


" 


r< 


Sergeant 


G 


" 


G 


Private 


I 


" 


I 


" 


K 


" 


K 



REMARKS. 



Died at Andersonville, Ga. Date unknown. 

Died at Yorktown, Va., April 24, 1862. 

Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 

K-illed at Fair Oaks, Va., June 8, 1862. 

is.illed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., June 8, 1862. 

Died at Washington, D. C, April 20, 1865. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 18, 1864. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Nov. 2, 1864. 

Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 

Died at Newport News, Va., Aug. 1863. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864, 

Died at Fair Oaks, Va., June i, 1862. 

Died at Fair Oaks, \'a., July 3, 1862. 

Died at Falmouth, Ya.., Dec. 28, 1862. 

Died at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 8, 1862. 

Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 10, 1864. 

Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Died May 24, 1864, of wounds received at Wilder 

ness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., "May 6, 1864. 
Died at White House, Va., May 31, 1862. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12. 1864. 
Killed at Savage Station, \a.., June 29, 1862. 
Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 
Died at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 15, 1865. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Died at Gettysburg, Pa., July 5, 1863. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Killed at Savage Station, Va., Tune 29, 1862. 
Died at Milford Station, Va.,"May 28, 1864. 
Died. Date and place unknown. 
Died at Norristown, Pa., April 13, 1862. 
Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Died at General Hospital May 12, 1862. 
Killed at Petersburg, \'a.. Tune 22, 1864. 
Died at Canton, Pa., Oct. 28, 1862. 
Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 
Died at Yorktown, Va., May 7, 1862. 
l")ied at Andersonville, Ga., June 4, 1864, 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Sept. 24, 1862. 
Died at Washington, D. C. Nov. lo, 1862. 
Died at Alexandria, Va., Oct. 7, 1862. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Killed at Antietam, j\ld., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., 
Killed at iVntietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Died at Washington, D. C., June 18, 1864, of wounds 

received at Cold Harbor, Va., Jvine 8, 1864. 
Died at Flarrison's Landing, Va., July 6, 1862. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., jSIay 6, 1864. 
Died of wounds received at Antietam, Md. 
Died on board U. S. Transport, Aug. 8, 1862. 
Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Drowned in James River, July 2, 1864, v/hile tryinj 

to escape from Rebel prison at Danville, Va. 
Died at Milford Station, Va., June, 1864. 
Died at New York, July 26, 1862. 
Killed at Wilderness, \'a.. May 6. 1864. 
Killed at Spottsvlvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 
Killed at Spottsvlvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 
Died at Baltimore, Md., Oct., 1862. 
Died at Harper's Ferry, Va., March 6, 1862. 
Died at Baltimore, Md., July 23, 1862. 



ROLL OF DEAD 



379 



NAME. 



McClay, John 
McVey, John 

Nathans, Simon 
Noll, John 

Osier, Hugh M. 
Pleis, Ferdinand M. 

Painter, John H. 
Polen, William D. 
Parker, John K. 
Purcell, Thomas 
Price, Gideon 
Paddock. Lewis 
Page, William 
Pierce, John W. 
Porter, Andrew 
Quirk, Thomas 
Reeder, Ambrose 
Rundall, Arthur L. 
Rodebaugh, Elwood 
Rice, Jacob 

Reeber, James B. 
Rishell, George W. 

Ritter, Wilson 
Robbins, George W. 
Robbins. J. 
Ruth, Wilson 
Rich, Isaac H. 
Richards, John 
Roe, Thonias D. G. 
Schwartz, Charles S. 
Smith, John W. D. 
Scullen, Patrick 
Sheak, Frederick 
Steiner, Edward 
Smith. William H. 
Scudder, Wilson J. 

Schambacher, George W. 
Schambacher, C. F. 
Scott, George D. 
Shave, Patrick 
Sanders, Richard 
Smith, Joseph H. 
.Schwenck, Josiah 
Smith, Henry 
Starr, Anthony 
Stolz, Abraham 
Smith, William H. 
Sullard, David M. 
Stevenson, John 
Strohm, Joseph J. B. 
Smith, Gilbert R. 
Spaulding, James W. 
Townsend, .Salatiel R. 
Tobin. Terence 
Townsend, William S. 

Tebo, Lewis W. 
Upjohn, George 
Veil, Henry C. 
Walton, David G. 
Warnock, William 
Webster, George 
Waugh, Frederick A. 
Wilbur, Lewis N. 
White, Roswell 



RANK. 


COM- 




PANY. 


Private 


K 


" 


K 


" 


B 


" 


E 


" 


A 


Adjutant 


Staff 


Private 


C 


Private 


D 


" 


F 


" 


F 


" 


H 


" 


K 


" 


K 


" 


K 


" 


K 


" 


K 


" 


D 


" 


D 


" 


D 


" 


E 


<< 


F 


" 


F 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


H 


" 


H 


" 


I 


Captain. 


A 


Sergeant 


A 


Private 


A 


" 


A 


" 


A 


2d Lieut. 


B 


Corporal 


D 


Private 


D 


" 


D 


" 


D 


" 


E 


I St Serg't 


F 


Private 


F 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


G 


" 


H 


" 


I 


" 


I 


Sergeant 


K 


Private 


K 


" 


K 


Captain 


E 


Private 


G 


** 


G 


• • 


K 


" 


H 


Sergeant 


D 


Corporal 


A 


Private 


B 


" 


B 


Musician 


C 


Private 


D 


" 


D 



REMARKS. 



Died at Baltimore, Md., Jan. s, 1863. 

Died Oct. 17, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam, 
Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Died from woods taking fire after being wounded 
at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 

Died at Falmouth, Va., March 14, 1862. 

Died at Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1863, of wounds re- 
ceived at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Died at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 27, 1865. 

Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June i, 1864. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 30, 1864. 

Killed at Reams Station, Va., Aug. 25, 1S64. 

Died at Fortress Monroe, Va., Aug. 16, 1862. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 13, 1862. 

Accidently shot at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug., 1862. 

Died at Newport News, Va., Aug. 19, 1862. 

Died at Turner House, Va., June 15, 1864. 

Died at New York, N. Y., Oct. i, 1862. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Died at Smoketown. Md., Oct. 10, 1862, of wounds 
received at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Died at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 27, 1865. 

Killed at Belle Island, Va., while prisoner, June 26, 
1864. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 21, 1864. 

Died at Florence, S. C, Nov. 19, 1864. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 

Died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 12, 1864. 

Died at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 

Killed accidentally at .Stevensburg, Va., Jan. 15, 1864. 

Killed at Gettysburg. Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Died at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 24, 1864, of wounds 
received at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 

Died at New York, N. Y., July 10, 1862. 

Died at Washington, D. C, June 24, 1864. 

Died at Point Lookout, Md., Aug. 10, 1862. 

Killed at Malvern Hill, Va., July i, 1862. 

Killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Died at Washington, D. C, July, 1865. 

Died at Yorktown, V^a., Tune 11, 1862. 

Died at New York, N. Y., Dec. i, 1862. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Died at Washington, D. C, Jan. 26, 1863. 

Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Died at ."Arlington, Va., Sept. 8. 1864. 

Killed at Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. 

Killed at Hatcher's Run, Va., March 25, 1865. 

Died at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Killed at Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 5, 1864. 

Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864. 

Died at Philadelphia, Pa., May 20, 1864, of wounds 
received at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 

Died at Washington, D. C Jan. 2, 1863. 

Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 13, 1862. 

Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Died at Washington, D. C., Sept. 22, 1862. 

Killed at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Died at Florence, S. C. 

Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., July 19, 1862. 



380 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



NAME. 



Warner, Charles H. 
Whitmoyer, Charles H. 
Winder, Amos M. 
Winford, John W. 
Warrington, J. H. 
Young, William 



RANK. 



Private 



COM- 
PANV. 



REMARKS. 



Died at New York, N. Y., May 22, 1862 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Died at Annapolis, Md., Oct. 3, 1864. 
Died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 26, 1864. 
Died at Florence, S. C, Feb., 1865. 



Killed in Action 83 

Died of Wounds 17 

Died of Disease 62 

Died in Rebel Prisons 25 

Died Accidentally 5 

Total 192 



382 



THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



TABULAR 



Of the losses of the Regiment in each engagement, showing the loss in each Company as far 
because they do not appear in the Company rolls; for Instance, this report shows a total 
of these may have been missing and subsequently reported for duty. At Fredericksburg tl 
statement is only complete so far as it gives those reported on the Company rolls. 



BATTLES { 


c ■ 1 

Fair 


Savage 


Malvern 


Flint \ Antie- I 


Freder- 


Hay 1 


Gettys- 


Bristo 


Oaks 


Station 


Hill 


Hill 


tam 


icksburg 


Market! 


burg' 


Stat 


date{ 


Uav 31, 

1862 


June 29, 
1862 


July 1, 
1862 


Sept. 1, 

1862 


Sept. 17, 
1862 


Dec. 13, 
1862 


June 25, 
1863 


July 2, 3. 
1863 


Oct. 1 
1863 


COM- 
PANY 




2 
§ 

o 


a 


"3 




o 


c 





■a 
o 




"3 




£ 
o 

■<£ 
o 


c 


3 




2" 

o 


S 
S 


3 




O 


c 


1 


J: 


£ 

e 
o 


c 


"3 




o 
1 


S 


"S 



H 
1 


a 

■<£ 
o 


c 


Field 
and 


Killed 
Wounded 


Staff 


Captured 


1 




1 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


3 


3 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


A 


Killed 


Not 
Present 


Wounded 
Captured 


1 


8 

4 

1 


4 

4 
1 


- 


3 


3 


- 


- 


— 


1 


8 

1 
2 

1 


8 

1 
3 

1 


1 


10 
2 


10 

1 

2 


- 


- 


— 


3 

1 
1 


13 

4 

17 
1 


16 

5 
18 

1 


1 


- 


B 


Killed 

Wounded 

Captured 


Not 
Present 





Killed 




1 


1 


Wounded 




2 


2 




1 


1 




2 


2 










9 


9 


1 


10 


11 




1 


1 




4 


4 






Captured 
















3 


3 




































D 


Killed 




1 


1 




2 


2 
















3 


3 
























Wounded 




2 


2 




4 


4 
















3 


3 


1 


3 


4 








2 


2 


4 






Captured 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 
2 


1 
2 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


-• 


E 


Killed 


Wounded 


1 


1 


2 




2 


2 
















6 


5 


1 


3 


4 










5 


5 






Captured 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


~ 


— 


2 


1 


3 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


"■ 


- 


-■ 


F 


Killed - 


Wounded 




1 


1 




1 


1 
















8 


8 


1 


3 


4 










4 


4 






Captured 


- 


1 


1 


- 


1 

1 


1 
1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 




1 


e 


Killed 


2 2 


Wounded 




























2 


2 




1 


1 








1 


5 6 






Captured 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 


H 


Killed 


Wounded 




1 


1 
















1 


1 




6 


5 


1 


7 


8 










2 


2 






Captured 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 
4 


1 
4 


- 


- 


-- 


- 


- 




- 


- 


-- 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 






- 


-- 


I 


Killed 


1 1 


Wounded 




1 


1 




10 


10 
















4 


4 




4 


4 




4 


4 


1 




1 






1 Captured 


1 


1 


2 


- 


- 


— 


- 


1 


1 


- 


- 




- 


- 


— 


- 


2 


2 


- 


- 


— 


- 


- 


— 


- 


-- 


K 


Killed 


Wounded 
















1 


1 


1 


1 


2 




8 


8 


1 


11 


12 








1 


1 


2 


1 




Captured 


1 


4 


5 


- 


5 

10 


5 
10 


- 


2 


2 


- 


- 


— 


2 


11 


13 




6 


6 


- 


- 


- 


1 


9 


10 


- 


-- 




Killed 


Total 


Wounded 


1 


8 


9 


1 


21 


22 




6 


6 


1 


2 


3 


1 


54 


65 


7 


52 


59 




5 


5 


10 


53 


63 


2 






Captured 


1 


- 


1 
15 


- 


12 


12 
it 


- 


5 


5 
13 


- 


- 


S 




1 


1 
69 


- 


- 


65 


- 


- 


5 


- 


2 


2 

75 


- 


1 


Total Loss 





LOSSES BY COMPANIES 



383 





■^ 


'ATEIVIENT 

ed. There are many that have been wounded that do not appear in this statement, simply 
ng the seven days' fight of only 69, and the official report of Col. Morehead gives 123. Many 
s show only 65, and Colonel Morehead reports 78, and so for the other battles; so that this 






Wilder- 
ness 

May 6, 
1864 


Po 

River 

Mav9, 11, 

1864 


Spott- 
sylvania 

May 12, 
1864 


Cold 
Harbor 

June 3-10, 
1864 


Peters- 
burg 

June 18-22 
1864 


Weidon 
Railroad 

Aug. 18, 
1864 


Ream's 
Station 

Aug. 26, 
1864 


Boydton 
P'RRoad 

Oct. 27, 
1864 


Hatch- 
er's Run 

March 25, 
I860 


TOTAL 


< 

Q 
< 

e 


4 

62 

48 




1 

c 


m 

O 


c 

1 

2 

1 

1 
1 

2 
5 
2 

1 
4 

2 
4 

2 

1 

1 
2 

1 
3 

1 

2 

11 

24 

4 


« 



H 

1 
2 

1 
1 
1 

2 
5 
2 

1 
4 

2 
4 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 
3 

1 

2 

11 
24 
4 

39 


£ 

o 

O 


s 
2 

2 


1 



H 
2 

2 
2 


00 

u 
IS 

o 

1 
1 

1 

2 
1 


C 

1 
2 

1 

2 

1 
2 

3 
3 

2 
3 

1 

1 
1 

1 
1 

12 

12 

1 


1 
c 

H 

1 

2 
2 

1 

2 

1 
2 

4 
3 

2 
3 

1 

14 
13 

28 


£ 
S 

■£ 


1 
1 

1 
1 


1 
1 

6 

2 
3 

1 

1 

7 

1 

3 
19 

1 


3 



1 
1 
1 

6 
1 

2 
3 

1 

1 

7 

1 

4 

20 

1 


§ 

o 
1 

1 

2 

1 
3 


a 
v 

1 
2 
4 

1 
1 
5 

5 
11 

1 
4 
6 


"3 



H 
1 

1 
2 
4 

1 

1 
5 

5 
11 

1 
4 
6 


£ 

o 


a 

1 
1 

1 
1 

2 
2 


1 


Eh 

1 
1 

1 
1 

2 

2 

4 


£ 

o 


s 
« 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 
3 


* 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 
3 
4 


£ 

a 

O 


c 

V 

1 

1 

1 
1 

2 

2 

4 




H 

1 

1 

1 
1 

2 

2 
4 

6 





a 
1 

1 


"3 
c 

1 


£ 

9) 
U 

■E 


3 

1 

1 
4 

1 
4 


c 

0) 

9 

43 

5 

9 
21 
13 


1 

3 

1 

10 
47 
5 

10 
25 
13 




- 


1 


1 

1 
3 

1 
2 

2 

1 
1 

1 

I 
2 


7 
41 
17 

12 
35 

7 

5 

22 

9 

25 
24 

9 
11 
5 

6 
24 

24 


7 
42 
17 

13 

38 

7 

6 

24 

9 

9 
26 
26 

9 
12 
5 

6 
25 
26 


66 
58 
39 
60 
26 
57 




2 


8 

1 
19 

4 


8 

1 
20 

4 




1 


2 

1 
20 

5 

1 
6 

5 
15 
88 


2 

1 
22 

5 

1 
6 

5 
16 

91 




- 

r 

3 


- 


1 
1 

2 
2 


1 
1 

2 
2 


1. 

1 
4 

7 
25 
4 


6 

33 

6 

7 
27 
13 

77 
282 
123 


6 

34 

6 

8 
31 
13 

84 
307 
127 


46 
52 

518 




3 


,25 




112 


4 












J 





Dedication of Monuments 

BY THE REGIMENT 

AT 

Gettysburg, Pa. 

AND THE 

BRIGADE MONUMENT 

AT 

Antietam, Md. 



386 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

Ceremonies of Dedication of Tablet 

Erected by the Survivors of the 

106th REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 

On East Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg, Pa. 

JULY 24, 1882 
Marking the position they held on the evening of July 2 and all day July 3, 1863 



Pursuant to the following calls issued from each branch of 
the Regimental Association, the survivors of the Regiment met 
at Gettysburg, Pa., on Monday, July 24, 1882 for the purpose of 
dedicating the Granite Tablet erected on the ground on East 
Cemetery Hill occupied by the Regiment on July 3, 1863. 

Reunion of io6th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
At Gettysburg, Pa., July 24TH, 1882. 

Philadelphia, July 19th, 1882. 
The reunion of the survivors of the io6th Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers will take place at Gettysburg, Pa., on Monday July 24th, 
1882, at 5 o'clock, p. m. The Granite Tablet, to rriark the spot the 
Regiment held on July 3d, 1863, will be dedicated with fitting 
ceremonies. 

Tickets for the round trip $3.75, to be had at Headquarters G. A. 
R., 1202 Chestnut Street (second story), up to Saturday. 

Train will leave Broad Street Station at I o'clock, p. m., on 
Saturday, 22d inst., reaching Gettysburg about 7 o'clock. 

Try and make it convenient to attend, as a large delegation of 
the survivors from all parts of the State will be present, and it 
will do you good to meet them again. 

James C. Lynch, President. 
Jos. R. C. Ward, Secretary, 361 1 Locust Street. 

309 N. Nineteenth Street. 



Williamsport, Pa., July 10, 1882. 
Dear Sir:^ 

Your are respectfully invited to attend the reunion of the 
io6th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to be held on the battle- 
field of Gettysburg, July 24th, 1882. 







if-! 



S W 



H 


s ^ « 




ill 


< 


1 £, u 


H 








Cx, ' 


W M H H N N 


O 




Z 




o 








H 


Q 


<r1 




'w) 


u 


Q 


u u = 


Q 


iM 


H 


§Q Jo 


< 


S"=U 


Dh 




n 


i;9^i 


o 
o 


Ha^'r- 


2v 3 " 




e-.si£? 








UXujcJi 


CO 


<^2d2ri 



=s 



J 3 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 387 

A granite tablet, bearing appropriate inscriptions, will be erected 

to mark the position occupied by the Regiment on the 3d day of 

July, 1863. It will be placed on Cemetery Hill and dedicated with 

fitting ceremonies — speeches, music, firing of cannon, &c., &c., 

It is hoped that every survivor of the Regiment will be present. 

Very respectfully, 

S. M. Smith, Secretary. 

About thirty of the survivors of the Regiment responded to 
those calls, and assembled that afternoon on East Cemetery Hill 
at Gettysburg, to attend the ceremonies incident to the dedica- 
tion of that tablet. 

The meeting was called to order by Comrade S. Macy Smith, 
Secretary, who was selected to preside and he addressed the Com- 
rades as follows : • 

A year ago when a few of the survivors of the io6th Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers were going over this historic field, they came to 
the conclusion that there ought to be some enduring marks to 
designate at least two of the positions occupied by the Regiment 
in this most sanguinar}^ and important battle. They pledged them- 
selves to labor faithfully and earnestly for the accomplishment of 
this laudable undertaking. But there were difficulties to over- 
come. The survivors, though few, were scattered throughout 
several counties in this commonwealth, principally Philadelphia, 
Bradford and Tioga ; but their hearts were in the work. Meet- 
ings were called at Canton and Philadelphia, organization effected, 
a committee appointed to collect the necessary funds, and an- 
other to select designs and procure tablets. Of the latter com- 
mittee, I have the honor to be chairman. Up to the time this 
committee has procured but one tablet — that around which we 
are now gathered. We are here to dedicate it to the purpose for 
which it was intended. The occasion is an impressive one. Here 
on this battlefield 19 years ago struggled 200,000 men in mortal 
combat. That struggle practically decided the great question of 
human liberty in our Republic. Comrades, in erecting this tablet, 
we add one more line to the soldier's chapter in the great volume 
of human history. 

Grand and impressive indeed, would be that chapter which 
should unfold, in its full significance and in all its grandeur, the 



388 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

story of the war for the Union. But it never has — it never can 
be written. Language is inadequate to express, in its full mean- 
ing, the heroism, patriotism and sacrifices of those who took their 
lives in their hands to lay them down or save the nation from 
disruption, disunion and dishonor. 

If all the granite in the rock-bound hills of New England 
could be formed into tablets, and those tablets erected on the 
many battlefields of the South and covered with inscriptions, the 
story would be incomplete. 

Ever since men learned the art of war, battlefields have been 
places of great interest. The battle of Marathon was fought 
nearly 500 years before the Christian era, and yet the field is still 
visible by tourists from all parts of the civilized world. Who 
shall say that the battlefield of Gettysburg will not be a place of 
interest a thousand years to come? As the years roll away, 
the interest becomes more intense. Monuments and tablets will 
be erected ; avenues and walks will be laid out ; sweet flowers of 
beauty will bloom above the ashes of the brave ; and this battle- 
field, once the scene of carnage and death, will become a thing 
of beauty, and will no doubt be visited by thousands of people 
of generations yet unborn. 

And now, Mr. President, as Chairman of the committee, I 
have the pleasure of presenting to you, for the Gettysburg B. F. 
Association, this tablet, and in doing so permit me to express the 
hope that it may stand, untouched by vandal hands, until the 
nations learn war no more. 

The tablet was received on behalf of the Association by Gen- 
eral James C. Lynch, President, in a few and appropriate 
remarks ringing with patriotism which were received with cheers. 
Comrade Smith then read the following letter of General Wm. 
W. Burns, our old commander, who at the last moment was 
prevented from attending. 

Washington City, D. C, July 15, 1882. 
Dear Sir : — 

If possible, nothing will give me greater pleasure than to be 
present on the 24th of July, to witness the ceremonies of erecting 
a tablet commemorating the glorious part taken by the io6th Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers at the battle of Gettysburg, on the ever memor- 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 389 

able, July 3d, 1863. One of the cherished Regiments of my First 
Brigade, disciplined for war — and demonstrating it during the 
trying times on the Peninsula and in the Seven Days battles before 
Richmond. The heroic conduct at Gettysburg, was a glorious 
consumation of that grand old Brigade which the old hero, Sumner, 
pronounced the elite of his Corps — baptized in fire under our brave 
Sedgwick. The forms of Morehead, Curry, Stover and many 
more rise before me as I write. Our comrades who have gone be- 
fore to "the silent camping ground, the bivouac of the dead", will 
look down from Elisium fields upon your tablet and bless it. 
"Honor to the brave." 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. W. Burns, 

Brevet-Brigadier General. 
S. M. Smith, Esq., Secretary. 

Comrade Smith then introduced Colonel Jos. R. C. Ward, 
who had been selected as orator of the day. 

Colonel Ward delivered a well written address, giving a full 
and complete history of the valuable services rendered by the 
Regiment throughout its whole three years service, prepared from 
a diary kept by him during his whole term of enlistment. He 
spoke of the many brave and heroic deeds performed by many 
members of the Regiment, the many battles they had fought, the 
long campaigns they marched, the sacrifices made and the heavy 
loss sustained, and mentioned the names of many of the brave 
heroes who gave their lives for their country. It was from this 
address — that was so well received by those who attended that 
reunion, and who, at a meeting held that evening, unanimously 
requested its publication — that the present history of the Regi- 
ment was written. Therefore the publication of that address is 
omitted, as it is all included in the pages of this book, elaborated 
to include a more minute and complete record of the valuable 
services rendered by the Regiment and describing more fully the 
many battles fought and campaigns in which it took such pro- 
minent part. 

A copy of the address was, however, placed in the monument 
and sealed. 



390 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

Dedication of Monument 

ON CEMETERY RIDGE, AT CLUMP OF TREES, GETTYSBURG. PA. 
Marking position of the Regiment on July 2d and 3d, 1863 



The following circular was issued for a reunion of the survivors 
of the Regiment to be held at Gettysburg on August 13. 1885, 
to dedicate the monument erected by the association on Cemetery 
Hill : 

Headquarters Association io6th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Philadelphia, July 30th, 1885. 
Comrade: 

A reunion of the survivors of the io6th Regiment Pa. Vols, will 
be held at Gettysburg, Pa., on Thursday August 13th, 1885, for 
the purpose of dedicating with appropriate ceremonies the granite 
monument which has been erected upon the spot at that historic 
clump of trees where the Regiment fought so gallantly on July 3d, 
1863, in the repulse of Pickett's charge. On its tablets are inscribed 
a short statement of the deeds performed by the Regiment on that 
and other portions of the field during the battle, with a list of 
losses, etc. 

General Alex. S. Webb has consented to deliver the oration at 
5 o'clock p. m., on that day, and it is hoped that Generals Hancock, 
Gibbon, Burns and Owen will be present. 

A special meeting of the Philadelphia Association of the io6th 
Pennsylvania Volunteers will be held at G. A. R. Headquarters, 
1202 Chestnut St., on Tuesday evening, Aug. 4th, 1885, at 8 o'clock, 
when all survivors of the regiment who can possibly arrange to go 
to Gettysburg will be furnished with tickets at very low rates. The 
tablet committee will present its report at this meeting. 

It is earnestly hoped that all survivors of the Association will 
make some sacrifice for the purpose of being present on this 
occasion. 

Those Comrades residing out of the City can obtain at any 
Grand Army Post room an order enabling them to purchase ex- 
cursion tickets to Gettysburg, at less than one-half the regular fare. 
Comrades desiring information, can obtain it from the Secretary at 
No. 717 Sansom Street, at any time. 

By order of 

James C. Lynch, 
"Wm. B. Rose. President. 

Secretary. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 391 

About fifty of the members responded to the call and the monu- 
ment was dedicated with appropriate services. General Alex- 
ander S. Webb, who commanded the brigade at Gettysburg, 
delivered the oration. Unfortunately the manuscript of that 
oration was lost therefore cannot be included here. 

[The author has endeavored to get copy of the order of exercises and 
address of General Webb, but has been unable to do so owing to death of 
General James C. Lynch, who had all the papers, and the family has 
been unable to find them.] 

The monument bears the following inscription on its four sides : 

FIRST 

Position of the 1 06th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers 
2D BRIGADE. 2D DIVISION, 2d CORPS 

JULY 2D AND 3D, 1863 



Took into Action : 23 Officers, 


263 


Men 




Loss : 








Killed 


I Officer 


10 


Men 




Wounded 


10 " 


49 


" 




Missing 




2 


" 





Total ir " 61 " 

106TH PENNSYLVANIA 
Lieut. Colonel Wm. L. Curry 



SECOND 

JULY 2d— MORNING 

Companies A and B on skirmish line. 

Company B, by order of General Meade, advanced and uncovered 

enemy's position on Seminary Ridge. 

Afternoon 

Company B advanced to Bliss House, held by i6th Mississippi, 

where it was repulsed, losing i officer and 12 men. 

Later 

In connection with 4 companies of 12th New Jersey again advanced 

and captured the Bliss House and number of prisoners. 

2D BRIGADE 
Brig. General Alex. S. Webb 



392 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

THIRD 

JULY 3d 
The Regiment with nth Corps on East Cemetery Hill, except 
Companies A and B and a detail of 50 men from the other com- 
panies, who remained with Brigade at this point and assisted to 
repel Pickett's charge. 

The Regiment also participated in the following battles : 
Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, Cold 
Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon R. R., Ream's Station, Boydton 
Road, Hatcher's Run. 

2D DIVISION 
Brig. General John Gibbon 



FOURTH 

JULY 2d— Evening 
The Regiment assisted in repelling the charge of Wright's Georgia 
Brigade, made a countercharge to the Emmitsburg Road, recap- 
tured the guns of Brown's Rhode Island Battery and captured 250 
prisoners, including Col. Wm. Gibson, wounded ; 5 captains and 
15 lieutenants of the 48th Georgia. 

The Regiment, except Companies A and B and a detail of 50 men 
and 3 ofificers, was subsequently ordered to reinforce the nth 
Corps, and was assigned position on East Cemetery Hill supporting 
battery, where it remained during the battle. 

2D CORPS 
Major General W. S. Hancock 

The monument is made of Goat Hill granite from near Lambert- 
ville, New Jersey ; is very hard and susceptible of high polish, and 
is over ten feet high and three feet square at base. The inscription 
contains over 1,500 letters, cut in the polished surface of the four 
sides. 

When the monument furnished by the State of Pennsylvania was 
placed in position near the spot where this monument stood it was 
decided best to remove it, and through the liberality of Captain 
John W. Lynch a lot of ground was purchased by the Association 
at the Codori House on the Emmitsburg Road, and this monument 
was moved and placed there, where the Regiment captured so many 
prisoners on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 393 

Dedicatory Services at Gettysburg 

September 1 1th and 12th, 1889, of the 

06th REGIMENT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 

(INFANTRY) 
OF PHILADELPHIA 

2d Brigade, 2d Division, 2d Army Corps 
Army of the Potomac 



ORDER OF EXERCISES 

(September 12th. 9 A. M.) 

1. Prayer, .... Rev. J. Newton Ritner 

Chaplain Geo. G. Meade Post No. i. G. A. R. 

2. National Hymn — "My country 'tis of thee." 

3. Address, . . . Comrade James Thompson 

President of the Association. 

Fellow Soldiers, Members of the io6th Regiment: — 

As we stand upon this historic ground, it causes the blood in 
my veins to burn with renewed patriotic fire, and memory to fly 
thick and fast before me, as I think of the great work performed 
by the Regiment (in which we all feel so proud of holding mem- 
bership) on this bloody field now over a quarter of a century ago. 
But I must not dwell upon that work, which will live forever 
in every patriotic heart, because that history is left to be told 
over again by one who is now present with us. 

As the President of your Association, an honor which sinks 
deep into my heart, it is perhaps proper (before introducing the 
orator of the day) for me to say, that the io6th Regiment left 
for the front on September 30th, 1861, with a total enrollment 
of 1020 men. And as you are aware participated in all the battles, 
in which the grand old Army of the Potomac took part, remaining 
in the field activelv until the death knell of the Rebellion had been 



* Owing to a heavy rainstorm on the afternoon of September nth, the 
services had to be postponed until the morning of the 12th. 



394 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

sounded at Appomattox ; during all those years our loss in killed 
was 99, wounded 397, and death by disease 95, captured 157; 
total loss 748. 

Is this not a record to be proud of, and are we not all proud 
of our work, for each and every one of you helped, and can 
truthfully say, well, we are abundantl}^ satisfied? 

For these who lie beneath this historic ground we bow our 
heads in silent prayer, they are not forgotten, and will ever live 
in our memories as true heroes who did a noble work and gave 
up their lives in defence of right against wrong, and in order that 
the greatest nation on the face of the earth might not be torn 
asunder. 

Pardon me for talking so long, and in presenting to you the 
orator of the occasion, let me say that he was throughout the 
active history of the Regiment an honor to it. Leaving the dear 
old City of Brotherly Love as a Lieutenant of Company A, he 
commanded Company B at Gettysburg, and shall I tell you how 
under his heroic leadership his Company charged beyond our 
picket line on that memorable second day of July, 1863, how 
he dislodged the enemy's sharpshooters, who were seriously 
annoying our gunners, all this he did, and a braver set of men 
commanded by a braver officer would be hard to find. 

I refer to Colonel and Brevet-Brigadier General James C. 
Lynch, whose great work on that day was the prime stepping- 
stone to rapid promotion, and I think he will tell you that he owes 
his single star to the men, not alone of Company B, but to the 
entire Regiment. 

Every soldier loves a brave man, and I think I can say there is 
not a member of the io6th Regiment who does not admire General 
Lynch, for he was a stalwart among the brave men of the Army 
of the Potomac. 

The beautiful monument, which will for all time adorn this 
spot, shining where the Regiment was engaged, speaks wonders 
for the patriotism and valor of the men who earned the right 
with their blood and sufferings to place it here. 

Soldiers, Comrades, I now have the pleasure and honor of pre- 
senting to you, General James C. Lynch. 








MONUMENT OF Io6tH REGIMENT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 

Erected by State of Pennsylvania, at Gettysburg, Pa. 

Dedicated. Sept. 12, 18S9. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 395 

4. Oration, .... Gen. James C. Lynch 

Late Captain of Co. B, io6th P. V. 

Comrades: — The first member of the One Hundred and Sixth 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, was enlisted into the service 
of the United States on August 8, 1861, and the last survivor 
was honorably mustered out on June 30, 1865. During this 
period 1,020 officers and men were borne on its rolls and fought 
in twenty-eight engagements, losing one hundred and ninety- 
four by death and having three hundred and ninety-seven 
wounded in action. Through this long and desperate struggle 
to preserve the Union of the States the One Hundred and Sixth 
was always ready to answer the call of duty, and whether facing 
death by disease before Yorktown, or among the swamps of the 
Chickahominy ; toiling ;ts wearisome way through the dust and 
heat of a long summer day's march ; freezing on the picket-line 
knee-deep in a winter night's snow drift, or presenting an ada- 
mantine line in the front of battle — wherever and whenever, 
the regiment or any detachment of it was directed to go it went 
and stayed until ordered by superior authority to leave. What 
regiment in the service can say more? From Ball's Bluff to 
Appomattox the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania preserved 
its honor unstained — its escutcheon untarnished — never defeat- 
ed — though sometimes unsuccessful, still holding its place in the 
line of battle until that fateful day of the 226. of June, 1864, when, 
assailed in front, flank and rear, it destroyed its colors to pre- 
vent their capture and died on the field. Much of this "esprit de 
corps" was due to its first commander. Colonel Turner G. More- 
head, a veteran of the Mexican war, whose soldierly qualities and 
steadfast bearing left their impress on the regiment. 

Company "A" served as company "S" of the First California 
Regiment until the rest of the "Blazers" reached Poolesville, 
when it took its proper place on the right of the One Hundred 
and Sixth. During its service with the California Regiment, 
Company A participated in the afiFair at Dranesville. The whole 
regiment was at Ball's Bluff, Charlestown, Yorktown, West 
Point, was heavily and successfully engaged at Fair Oaks — and 
in front of Richmond furnished details for picket which had 
several sharp skirmishes. The morning of June 29, 1862, found 



396 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

it under fire at Peach Orchard, but its first great and glorious 
service was at Savage Station on the afternoon of that day when, 
with the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania on the right and the First 
Minnesota on its left, it held the center firmly and without waver- 
ing — standing without protection in the open field facing the 
woods through which the enemy poured its legions — the "Blazers" 
with the "Fire Zouaves" and the wood-choppers from Minne- 
sota presented a veritable stone wall to the advancing foe. Four 
dififerent times did Anderson hurl his troops upon us including that 
boastful brigade from South Carolina, which imagined that one 
South Carolinian could whip five Yankees — but the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth met their fierce attacks with a coolness and in- 
trepidity that were unconquerable. Each discharge of a musket 
sent three buckshot and a bullet on their errand of death, and the 
orders of the officers to fire low were so faithfully obeyed that 
the dead and wounded were literally piled in rows in front of 
the One Hundred and Sixth. Not even on this dreadful field, or 
in the "Bloody Angle" at Spottsylvania, were the dead and wound- 
ed laid so close as at Savage Station, and yet it was many years 
after the war was closed before meagre credit was awarded to 
the troops who so nobly held that pass ; the One Hundred and 
Sixth never had any newspaper correspondent to magnify its 
skirmishes into battles, and even the official reports of its officers 
were so modestly drawn and briefly composed that some of its 
most important services are not recorded among the archives of 
the Nation, and future historians will refuse to mention them 
as unverified. The Commissioners appointed by the State to 
act in conjunction with our regimental committee in erecting the 
monument we dedicate to-day refused to accept the testimony of 
some of the actors in the fray, and declined to place on the monu- 
ment inscriptions crediting detachments of the One Hundred and 
Sixth with participating in two of the most important episodes 
of the battle of Gettysburg. They say that Company B did not 
attack the Bliss House, giving as a reason that the official reports 
of the brigade and regimental conmianders are silent on that 
subject. That Captain Ford and Lieutenant Irwin and the picket 
detail from companies C, D, E, F, G, H, I and K did not partici- 
pate in the repulse of Pickett's charge, because the regimental 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 397 

commander did not say so in his official report — ignoring the fact 
that Lieutenant-Colonel Curry was on Cemetery Hill with the 
main body of the regiment and that the detachment was acting 
under direct orders of General Webb, the brigade commander, 
who did mention its services in his official reports. But we know 
that Lieutenant Smith of Company B, One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania, and four enlisted men were killed and seven men 
were wounded in the attack on the Bliss House, and that Captain 
Ford and Lieutenant Irwin were wounded and over one-half of 
the men of their detail were killed or wounded in repulsing the 
charge of Pickett on July 3, 1863. Their blood sank into the soil 
of yonder field and moistened the earth and stained the stones 
on this consecrated spot, and to-day rises up in mute witness of 
the valor of those from whose veins it was drawn and of their 
presence and services here. 

After nightfall on June 29, 1862, the regiment was withdrawn 
from the field of the glorious victory of Savage Station and 
moved across White Oak swamp to Glendale or Frayser's farm 
where, on the afternoon of the 30th, it reaped fresh laurels on that 
field, so disastrous to the reputation of the Pennsylvania Reserves, 
so honorable to that of the Philadelphia Brigade, each regiment 
of which moved steadily forward through the mass of fugitives, 
and occupied the position assigned it — and held it against a vic- 
torious foe until ordered, during the night, to take the route to 
Malvern Hill, where, on July i, the One Hundred and Sixth 
cheerfully and well performed the part assigned to it. 

After a period of inaction at Harrison's Landing, it marched 
down the Peninsula to Newport News and took steamer to 
Alexandria, where, after disembarking, it made one of the most 
severe marches of the war and with Sedgwick's Division arrived 
on the field of the Second Bull Run in time to take the place of 
McDowell's routed corps and hold the enemy in check until other 
dispositions could be made to meet him and save Pope's army 
from further disaster. 

Again at Antietam, when near the Dunker Church, the Philadel- 
phia Brigade attacked in flank and rear by an overwhelming 
force, the One Hundred and Sixth maintained its reputation for 
coolness and obedience, and when ordered to leave the field it 



398 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

marched off backward with its face to the foe — sullenly retiring 
to new vantage ground, where it formed a line on which other 
troops were rallied. Well may the survivors of the One Hundred 
and Sixth be proud of its conduct on that fateful field. 

Again at Fredericksburg did the One Hundred and Sixth, and 
all of the Philadelphia Brigade, give renewed proof of its devo- 
tion to duty and that it did not know when it was whipped. Ad- 
vanced to a position within one hundred and fifty yards of 
Marye's Heights, it remained there all the afternoon suffering 
fearful loss until ii o'clock at night when General Howard came 
and told the men that he supposed they had run away long before. 
It was your conduct there which gave him so much confidence 
in you at Gettysburg. 

The One Hundred and Sixth passed with undiminished credit 
through the disastrous battle of Chancellorsville which led to 
the invasion of Pennsylvania by the army of General Lee, closely 
followed by the Army of the Potomac, first under General Hooker 
and then (after June 28) under General Meade. 

Toilsome marches, enlivened only by a few skirmishes, brought 
the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia 
Brigade to Gettysburg, and when it was formed on this hallowed 
spot to do battle on Pennsylvania soil, for human rights and a 
nation's unity, it could proudly boast that it had never been 
beaten in action and brought with it a self-confidence which was 
a guerdon to its commanders, that the Philadelphia Brigade 
might die here but could not be driven by an assault on its front 
from the position given it to defend. 

I am requested by the Commission to speak only of the part 
taken by the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment in this battle, 
and therefore shall have nothing to say regarding the stubborn 
fighting of the First Corps on July i, 1863, which gained for it 
such a well-deserved reputation. 

The booming of the first gun on Reynolds' front found the One 
Hundred and Sixth at Taneytown, thirteen miles away. Soon 
came the news of the death of that gallant son of Pennsylvania 
and that our own glorious Hancock, the prince of soldiers, was 
hurrying to the front, leaving his corps to follow as rapidly as 
possible. That night the Philadelphia Brigade bivouacked on the 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 399 

slope of Little Round Top, and by a calm and peaceful sleep re- 
freshed itself for the stirring scenes of the next two days in 
which it was destined to bear such an important part. 

Early in the morning of July 2, the Philadelphia Brigade was 
marched some distance north on the Taneytown road and form- 
ed to the right of that road facing east towards Gulp's Hill, it 
being at that time General Meade's idea that Lee would attempt 
to turn his right flank and that the Second Gorps should be sent 
to occupy Wolf's Hill. 

Between 6 and 7 o'clock in the morning, General Meade having 
ascertained that the country beyond Rock creek was not favorable 
for manoeuvering, ordered the Second Gorps to face to the rear 
and move on to the ridge facing west, forming with Hays' Third 
Division on the right, Gibbon's Second Division in the center and 
Galdwell's First Division extending the line towards the Round 
Tops on the left. The Philadelphia Brigade was formed on this 
ground in position to defend that clump of trees which was destin- 
ed to attain such prominence in the history of the Nation as to 
Be called the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion". 

The Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania was in line of battle behind 
yonder fence, a position which it held with stubborn gallantry 
during the whole of the battle of the 2d and 3d of July. 

The Seventy-First, Seventy-Second and One Hundred and 
Sixth were held in reserve behind this crest -ready to be moved 
where they should be most needed. 

At the time this formation was effected Gompanies A and B of 
the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, under command of 
Gaptains John J. Sperry and James G. Lynch, and Gompanies A 
and I of the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, under Gaptains Gook 
and Suplee, were thrown to the front beyond the Emmitsburg 
road to act as skirmishers and watch the movements of the enemy ; 
and shortly afterwards Gompany B of the One Hundred and Sixth 
was, by personal direction of General Meade, entrusted with the 
imporant duty of ascertaining whether the enemy was in force 
on Seminary Ridge. The skirmish line of the enemy was strong- 
ly posted in a sunken road and barred the passage to the ridge, 
but the men of Gompany B obeyed the orders of their officers with 
such cheerful alacrity and displayed so much dash and elan in 



400 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

the advance that the opposing skirmish hne was dislodged, the 
enemy's hne of battle was disclosed, and having accomplished 
what was desired and shown the commanding general what he 
was most anxious to know, the company cooly retired to the posi- 
tion, as reserve to the skirmish line, from which it started ; and, 
strange to relate, did not lose a man either in advancing or 
retiring. 

In order to understand the importance of the movements of 
the One Hundred and Sixth on the afternoon of the 2d, it will 
be necessary to briefly refer to the fighting of that day on the left. 

General Lee's plan of attack was to move forward his right bri- 
gade to assail General Meade's left flank and each of his brigades 
was to follow the movement of the brigade on its right moving 
in echelon ; and in pursuance of this plan the whole of Hood's 
and McLaws' Divisions and Wright's Brigade of Anderson's 
Division had in turn advanced and become heavily engaged. 
Wright's Georgians performed their duty well crossing the 
Emmitsburg road, charging almost to the lines held by the Sixty- 
Ninth Pennsylvania and capturing three guns of Brown's Battery 
which had been advanced to a rocky knoll to the left and front 
of the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania. 

At this juncture the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania was 
moved forward from behind the crest and ordered to attack the 
exposed left flank of Wright's Brigade. Promptly and well was 
the movement executed — a few well-directed volleys served to 
check Wright's advance — when Lieutenant-Colonel Curry ordered 
bayonets fixed and a charge to be made which sent the enemy in 
full retreat. The One Hundred and Sixth pursued them to the 
Emmitsburg road, capturing Colonel Gibson of the Forty-eighth 
Georgia and two hunrded and fifty officers and men, all of whom 
surrendered to the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania and 
were taken charge of by Captain Ford of Company I and sent to 
the rear ; the three guns of Brown's Battery were also recaptured 
and sent to the rear. There being no connecting troops on the 
left of the One Hundred and Sixth and none on the right except 
a small detachment of the Eighty-Second New York — Colonel 
Curry halted the regiment — deployed skirmishers to the front 
under Captain Ford, and on reporting the situation, and applying 




Bronze Tablet on the Monument Erected by the State of Pennsylvania, at Gettysburg, Pa. 

Representing the charge of the Regiment upon the Codori House on the Emmittsburg Road, 

at Gettysburg, Pa., where they captured the Colonel, 5 Captains, 15 Lieutenants and 

250 men of the 48th Georgia Regiment, on the afiernoon of July 2, 1S63. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 401 

to General Webb for orders, he was directed to withdraw the 
regiment, which he proceeded to do, leaving Captain Ford and 
Lieutenant Irwin and a detail of fifty men on the skirmish line. 
Ten minutes later came a cry for help from General Howard, 
whose Eleventh Corps was hard pressed and whose infantry had 
given way, leaving the gunners to engage in a hand-to-hand fight 
with rammers and hand-spikes against the infantry of Ewell. 
The One Hundred and Sixth arrived just in the nick of time and 
was placed in position by General Howard himself, who rode 
along the line speaking to the men and expressing his confidence 
in them and that he now considered his position secure. Turning 
to his chief of artillery he said "Major, your batteries can be 
withdrawn when that regiment runs away." He had seen the 
One Hundred and Sixth at Antietam and Fredericksburg and 
knew its steadfast quality. What more flattering encomium 
could he have bestowed? 

The main body of the regiment remained with the Eleventh 
Corps until the morning of July 5, when it rejoined the Brigade. 

But while eight companies of the regiment were rendering such 
valuable service in checking Wright's charge the other two com- 
panies were performing, one equally as important in preventing 
the advance of Posey's Brigade which according to General Lee's 
order, should have moved forward immediately after Wright's 
and whose charge in pursuance of Lee's plan would have taken 
the One Hundred and Sixth in flank and prevented the capture 
of the Forty-eighth Georgia. 

I have said that Company A of the One Hundred and Sixth 
was deployed as skirmishers with Company B in support. 

The right of Company A connected with the skirmish line of 
the Third Division, Second Corps consisting of the First Del- 
aware, the greater part of which occupied the Bliss House and 
barn which were on the line of Posey's advance. As Posey came 
forward he drove out the First Delaware, which retired except 
one company commanded by Captain Sparks, who gallantly held 
his ground to the left of the Bliss House and fought with the 
skirmishers of the Philadelphia Brigade. But the fire from the 
Bliss House and barn when occupied by Posey's Alississippians 
became very destructive to Company A of the One Hundred and 



402 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

Sixth, and Lieutenants Swartz and Casey, being both wounded, 
the company began to give way. At this juncture Company B of 
the One Hundred and Sixth was ordered to charge and take the 
Bliss House. The attempt was gallantly made and was at first 
unsuccessful, but General Hays sent out four companies of the 
Twelfth New Jersey under Captain Jobes who joined Company 
B of the One Hundred and Sixth in another charge which re- 
sulted in the capture of the Bliss House and barn and over one 
hundred prisoners. The result of this comparatively small affair 
was that Posey's Brigade made no further advance and therefore 
Mahone's Brigade on its left did not move, and the attack as 
planned by General Lee was virtually suspended. What might 
have been the result if the movement in echelon had been kept up, 
God only can tell. One thing is certain, Carroll's Brigade of 
the Third Division and the Seventy-First and One Hundred and 
Sixth Pennsylvania of the Philadelphia Brigade could not have 
been spared to rescue Howard. 

Some doubt having been expressed about the part taken by 
Company B of the One Hundred and Sixth in the assault on the 
Bliss buildings, I here state that the matter was fully investigated 
on the occasion of the dedication of the Twelfth New Jersey 
monument, and that Company B was given full credit by Captain 
Jobes' command for its participation with them in the charge, 
and Major William E. Potter, the orator of the day, made a feel- 
ing and complimentary allusion to it. 

On the morning of July 3, 1863, the main body of the One 
Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania was on Cemetery Hill under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Curry, but Captain Ford and his detail of fifty 
men remained on picket in front of the Philadelphia Brigade and 
Companies A and B were in reserve to the rear of this crest, mak- 
ing altogether two-fifths of the regiment which participated in 
the repulse of Pickett's charge. 

The Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania still occupied its position of the 
day before, but, as its ranks had been depleted by killed and 
wounded and by a detail for picket, two companies from the left 
of the Seventy-First were brought forward and placed on the 
right of the Sixty-Ninth. The Seventy-First Pennsylvania (ex- 
cept said two companies) was placed behind yonder stone wall, 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 403 

forming a connection with the left of the Third Division, Second 
Army Corps. 

The Seventy-Second Pennsylvania was kept in reserve to the 
rear of the crest. 

During the morning the picket detail of the Sixty-Ninth made a 
most gallant charge, driving back the enemy's skirmishers and 
regaining the position occupied by the brigade skirmish line on 
the preceding day. About i o'clock General Lee opened one 
hundred and thirty-eight guns upon the position occupied by the 
Philadelphia Brigade and an hour or more later advanced a force 
of infantry which is conceded by Colonel Long, military secretary 
to General Lee, in his life of that commander, to have numbered 
15,000 men, the command of which was entrusted to Major- 
General George E. Pickett, an officer of high reputation — trusted 
by his officers and idolized by his soldiers. 

When formed for the charge, the front of the attacking lines 
was over a mile long, the center being held by Pickett's splendid 
division, supported on the flanks and rear by Pender's, Pettigrew's 
and three brigades of Anderson's Divisions. The objective point 
of attack was that historic clump of trees which, as seen from the 
Confederate lines, rose prominently from the rear of the position 
held by the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and as the rebel 
lines came forward they seemed to shorten and converge towards 
the center until, after passing the Emmitsburg road, they formed 
a mass covering a front no greater that that of the Philadelphia 
Brigade. Each gray-coated veteran seemed bent on reaching 
that clump of trees as though to pluck therefrom a leaf as an evi- 
dence to his commander that his orders had been obeyed. 

It is folly to contend that any one regiment or brigade is en- 
titled to the sole credit of repulsing this determined effort made 
by fifteen thousand gallant veteran soldiers, flushed with the 
victories of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and of the pre- 
vious two days, and having confidence in themselves and faith in 
their leaders. 

The infantry engaged on the Union side consisted of seven bri- 
gades, of which five had already suffered heavy losses on the pre- 
ceding day. The Philadelphia Brigade with about eight hundred 
men in line held the center, supported by Hays' Division of three 



404 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

small brigades on its right, and Hall's Harrow's and Stannard's 
Brigades on its left — not over eight thousand men all told. There 
was no second line. The Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, two com- 
panies of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, Nineteenth 
Massachusetts and Forty-Second New York, were the only troops 
of Gibbon's Division in reserve. They were supporting the bat- 
teries of Gushing, Rorty and Brown. 

It is not my purpose to tire you by a description of the artil- 
lery fire or of Pickett's charge. Yon have frequently heard them 
portrayed in more graphic language than is at my command, but 
I cannot refrain from crediting the skirmish line composed of 
details from the Sixty-Ninth, Seventy-Second and One Hundred 
and Sixth Regiments with holding its ground with a tenacity 
which caused many of the onlookers to blame its officers for 
needlessly sacrificing men's lives. They but carried out the in- 
structions of General Webb to their commander, Captain James 
G. Lynch, in contesting every inch of ground and holding on to 
the Emmitsburg road as long as possible. The men obeyed orders 
and when possible to no longer retard the enemy's advance they 
hastened to rejoin their several regiments and fought in the line 
of battle. 

Steadfast and faithful — the name of each of that gallant band, 
whether from the Green Isle of Erin, or "native and to the manor 
born" deserves to be registered on fame's enduring tablet. 

Captain Ford and his detail formed on the left of Companies 
A and B in rear of the crest. 

Meanwhile the enemy had advanced to the fence occupied by 
the Sixty-Ninth and left of the Seventy-first, and, passing to the 
right of the latter, had taken it in flank and captured or forced 
back the right of the Sixty-Ninth and two connecting companies 
of the Seventy-First. General Armistead, with hat on sword, 
leaps the fence followed by six color bearers with their flags and 
about one hundred and fifty to two hundred men. At this junc- 
ture General Webb calls on his reserve (the Seventy-Second and 
the detachment of the One Hundred and Sixth) and leads them 
forward in person to close the gap in the line through which 
Armistead and his followers are pouring. Glorious leader ! His 
handsome, manly form towered for a moment a central figure 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 405 

between the two lines, as with sword in one hand and hat in the 
other his order of ''forward to the wall !" rang out cheerily and 
strong above the noise of battle. If he should fall, Gettysburg 
is lost. Wounded, he still keeps his feet. His indomitable spirit 
is communicated to and inspiries the men of the Seventy-Second 
and One Hundred and Sixth. They sweep forward to the fence 
over Armistead's prostrate body — treading under foot the rebel 
standards, whose bearers have fallen beside their leader — the 
thousands who have reached the fence throw down their arms, 
and Gettysburg is won ! 

Captains Sperry and Ford fell almost at the moment the One 
Hundred and Sixth reached the crest, and the men dropped like 
ten-pins before the bowler, but there was no wavering among 
the survivors, and after the action General Webb praised the 
remnant of the One Hundred and Sixth in no stinted terms for 
their promptness and gallantry. 

Colonel Hampton S. Thomas informs me that when the fighting 
was the fiercest he was directed to take a squadron of cavalry 
from Meade's headquarters to the rear of Webb's Brigade to drive 
up the stragglers. The commanding officer on returning reported 
that there were no stragglers to drive up and that his cavalry 
could not live there. All of the able men of the Philadelphia Bri- 
gade were in the line of battle determined to conquer or die there. 
None but the wounded retired behind this crest while the fight 
was on. 

It has been claimed that the Xineteenth ^Massachusetts passed 
through the lines of the Philadelphia Brigade, and Devereaux in- 
geniously asked how his command could capture colors unless by 
doing so. When the One Hundred and Sixth and Seventy- 
Second charged forward to the fence, six color bearers who had 
crossed that fence lay dead or disabled with their flags on the 
ground beside them. There was still at the fence an armed enemy, 
flaunting other flags in our faces. Our duty was to conquer that 
foe, and no brave man would at that moment have stayed his on- 
ward course to pick up a flag. I stepped on one which doubtless 
was "captured"/ by some one who followed me and who now 
enjoys the medal which was granted by Congress to him whose 
name was turned in with the trophy. 



406 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

The reveille roll-call of July 4, found but eight men present for 
duty with Company B and Company A, and Captain Ford's detail 
had suffered almost as heavily. 

Twelve of that gallant band should never again answer the roll- 
call of life's duties — they had joined that numerous army which 
sleeps in unmarked graves south of the Potomac, "in memoriam" 
of whom we here to-day dedicate this bronze and granite shaft. 
And oh, my friends, when the mighty tocsin of war, with its 
terrible vibrations echoed and re-echoed through the length and 
breadth of this mighty land, the roll-call found many brave young 
hearts wildly beating, fairly bursting with a soldier's love of fame 
or a boy's longing for adventure, while in the home roll-call there 
was one missing. Did you ever pause to think of this — life's roll- 
call? From the first feeble cry of infancy, the roll-call answered 
by mother love, to the day when the bright uniform was donned — 
whether of the blue or gray — with the gorgeous glittering of 
epaulettes and bright encircling saber sash, or the plainer garb 
of the private — and the soldier fledgling answered in high spirits 
with all his manly pride, anticipating the day, when, risen from the 
ranks, the roll-call should sound his name in a higher note. Ah ! 
but the home-nest roll-call where the mother sat in dread expecta- 
tion, not knowing what moment would sound for her the roll-call 
of sorrow, and, saddest of all, when only "missing" told of its 
horrible tale, enveloping her heart with its bewildering questioning 
uncertainty. The roll-call of duty, the roll-call of sorrow, the 
roll-call of fame, the roll-call of honor — life from the cradle to 
the grave is one succession of roll-calls. The one we are here 
answering to-day is the most sacred honor to the dead — unknown. 
The very word itself, conveys a world of pathos. It is for them 
first we answer the roll-call of honor ! and our comrades, the mad- 
caps whose joyous spirits made us forget the pangs of hunger, 
the hardships of camp life. The ne'er-do-wells, whose blunder- 
ing forgetfulness enlivened the frugal meal, the tender, thoughtful 
ones always ready with the helping hand, and we go down into 
the dark aisles of memory's catacombs to find their names lovingly 
engraven, and even bright, despite the mist of years, as when we 
sat side by side around the camp fire, under the stars or, in the 
darker pages of the soldier's record, we stood shoulder to shoulder, 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 407 

and they whom we honor to-day, heard the last dread reveille, 
death's roll-call, with no pitying hand to soothe its terrors, no 
tender words to comfort its gloom, all alone to pass into the dark 
shadows of the mystical unseen. 

Methinks from out the mist which encircled Spottsylvania's 
heights, emerges the stalwart form of Curry, his eagle eye burn- 
ing with the fire of unquenched patriotism, and as he steps to the 
front of his old command, his voice rings sharp and clear as he 
answers, here ! Ah, colonel, the boys well know you are present 
with us, sharing our glory as you ever did our toils and dangers, 
the bravest among the brave, your name shall be lovingly and 
proudly spoken until the last member of the One Hundred and 
Sixth shall answer death's roll-call. 

And following the gallant Curry come the shades of Pleis, and 
Sperry, and Swartz, and Hickman, and Smith, and James, and 
Sloanaker, and Hickok, and Gage, and Townsend, and Clark, and 
Breitenbach, and Rice, and Ford, and Wessels, and Frost, and the 
rest of the all too numerous band of our dead heroes. To them, 
the known and loved, we answer the roll-call of memory's loving 
tribute. To the living — all welcome ; those who have shared the 
perils of "all this gorgeous panoply of war", whether in the garb 
of the victorious blue or chastened gray. The dawn and twi- 
light's tints mingled into a day so terrible ; but the slumberous 
night of peace came and brought forgetfulness. So we are here 
gathered, answering the roll-call of fraternity, faith, truth and 
honor. Ah ! and here, both among the living and tlie dead, 
what heroes are enrolled on fame's enduring tablet. How many 
w^io never left the ranks, yet whose chivalrous deeds are ofttimes 
rehearsed where old comrades gather, and, like the unknown dead, 
the unrecorded heroes, have found well-burnished niches, con- 
secrated by grateful tears, in the dim recesses of memory's halls. 
Sacred to valor ; 'tis to these we will first pay tribute. The 
brilliant pages of history, recording the known heroes, are a 
nation's pride that such men sprang from her soil. Their names, 
not only from the page of history, but from the pure white marble, 
emblem of purest patriotism, that love consecrated to her dead, 
bask in the warm sunlight, slumber in the calm moonlight, or if 
the heavens shed their pitying tears, it too wears the insignia of 



408 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

woe. The very sod in consecrated. Its memories of those dark 
days that made a nation's history, enrolled its heroes, blended 
in awful terror and mad havoc the blue and gray, yet stands out 
now in grateful contrast, and we feel 

" 'Tis best it never backward turns, 
Till love its sweetest lesson learns." 

And we have learned the lesson. The chasm from that Dies irae 
has been bridged by yearly links ; from the steely one of partisan 
bitterness, they have merged brighter and brighter with each 
succeeding year, till now we forge this golden one, binding the 
living and the dead ; in loving memory we consecrate this tomb on 
sod already consecrated. It is true, that here, to-day, only those 
wearing the blue garb of victory are commemorated, but none the 
less do we offer tribute to the gallant gray. 

"Her generous troops 
WKose pay was glory." 

and whose achievements made a history of which every Ameri- 
can may well be proud. 

The terrible desolation and devastation of those years that 

"Let loose the dogs of war." 

on their beautiful cities and verdant valleys, yet bear the sad 
fruits of poverty, inseparable and unrecovered from. In the years 
that form the connecting links, loving prosperity rears its stately 
marble effigies. Loving poverty kneels with prayerful soul and 
plants pure white flowers whose perfume, like incense, rises in 
mute supplication. Yet how generously they have answered the 
roll-call and joined hands in this our "In Memoriam". Throbbing 
hearts realize that even in every unknown grave, "Somebody's 
darling lies buried", and death's roll-call sounded in no measured 
cadence, but gathered in its insatiate greed 

"The tenderest and fairest, 
The best and the dearest." 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 409 

In answerings it seems, even the recording angel would stay 
his hand and weep such tears as blot out forever the horrible 
reckonings. 

"Time is indeed a precious boon, 
But with the boon a task is given. 

The heart must learn its duty well, 
To man on earth, to God in heaven." 

Answering this roll-call, we discharge a sacred duty to those on 
whom "Fame's meteor beam", glanced but to slay in its electric 
power, laying low in manhood's prime the brave one whose soul 
was filled with high aspirations and mighty courage. Yet, how 
many think you fell with the mute question of his own heart stilled 
forever : Will I live or die through this ? Aye, dead to home, to 
mother, to those who loved him ; but living in his country's re- 
cords, living here in our memory, and in this vast bivouac of the 
dead, we consecrate this our monument, first, to the unknown 
dead', then to the known. Mayhap, in the long ago, it was he who 
shared the pleasures of our childhood, the boyish struggles of 
our school days, the hardships of camp life, the dangers in the 
day of battle. When the dread emissary of death sped on its cruel 
mission, mercifully sparing us, but laying low the old friend, the 
cheering companion, whose talks of home so often had consoled 
and brightened the tedium of dark days and home longings. 
And so, my friends, the soldier's roll-call not only enters into his 
life, but into that of each and every one. And while, for our 
comrades, whose light of life went down in the very dawn of 
manly pride, high hopes and youthful ambition, death's roll-call 
ended a career perhaps in mercy ; this, the last roll-call, still 
triumphs in its blighting thunderings, its eternal vibrations from 
the very throne of God himself is still as insatiable as in the days 
of battle array. Others, we may, in our frail humanity, seek to 
evade ; but this call in its mighty equalization, its scorn of rank, its 
contempt of power, aye, comes, 

"And our hearts though stout and brave, 
Still like muffled drums are beating 
Funeral marches to the grave." 



410 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

ORDER OF EXERCISES— CONTINUED 

5. Poem — "Gettysburg." Read by Col. Jos. R. C. Ward 

By Geo. E. Vickers. 

GETTYSBURG. 

To all the brave men who fought at Gettysburg and gave to the world a new example 
of sublime valor this poem is reverently inscribed. 

O ! mighty walls of rock, whose massive forms do prove 
The strength of age, and a triumphant past, 
Here let my soul, with they deep musings move 
And have expression ; — here where deeds of valor last 
In man's memory. O ! that a voice more fit did sing 
Of what this spot recalls, and no uncertain note 
In feeble warble, spoil the golden ring 

Of the true thought, nor screen the ghost-like visions of warrior 
throngs remote. 

Here was the Nation's test — man's highest, greatest rise 

In the ebb and flow of war ; here human will 

And effort lost their semblance and attained the size 

Of God-like striving, where each hand but vied to fill 

The earth-pores with the other's blood, while half the world did pause 

With horror dumb and wait the issue. Life and Death, 

To Liberty and Country alike did plead their cause 

In this red streaming forum, with sulphurous breath. 

Two mighty armies meet : the cunning hills 

With eqvial favor, forth extend their arms, 

Bidding welcome to each, with many exultant thrills 

That they, so schooled to the wild tempests' alarms, 

Shall now enjoy what doth far outweigh 

Nature's visitations — the thunder's roar 

The fiery lightning's flash, the hurricane's display, 

And, whate'er the end, shall for evermore 

Perpetuate their fame and consecrate the spot. 

Invitingly do all the slopes and knolls 

Beckon to the opposing hosts, hastening hot 

To seize the vantage ground which neither yet controls. 

Hark ! e'en now the answering signals wildly sound 

As straggling columns scent the fray from afar 

And 'rousing the echoes of hills and woods around. 

Loud blows the shrill-toned bugle, high swells the noise of war 

And loud the clatter and clang of arms and loud the leaders' call; 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 411 

And sharp and quick the sound of hurrying hoofs as down the line 
O'er hill and plain fleet riding couriers rise and fall. 
Onward ye farthest bands ! your comrades no longer wait 
But in the blazing eyes of Death their own poor ghosts 
Do mock them as they rush to meet a Soldier's fate. 

A foremost chieftain sinks ! Death's shaft doth mark him soon, 

Nature! hast thou no mark to show where gallant Reynolds fell? 

No special sign? Do not the winds attune 

Themselves in softer cadence as o'er that spot their swell 

Doth rise and fall in day and midnight hour? 

If not, a Nation's gratitude doth serve instead 

And toward the sky doth rise a granite tower 

Marking the place where fell that gallant head. 

The night doth come, but not yet comes the end 

The storm of war still is gathering — hath not yet fully broke, 

That which has happened, only serves to send 

Warning to the hurrying hosts that hear the opening stroke 

Of the battle tocsin hath rung. 

'Tis the second day — The mist hath lifted clear. 

Behold in full force, the Combatants massed for the fight on either side. 

'Tis plain the victory shall be bought with sacrifice most dear 

And he who wins shall not the courage of his foe deride. 

Look now ! the battle opens ! The screaming guns from hoarse hot 

throats 
Do pour Death's surest blasts and soon the ground is red. 
Away all thoughts of home and loved ones ! 'Tis now the Soldier 

will devotes 
His strength to duty and has no time for gloom or dread. 
Fight for the cause and, if ye fall, enough ! 
The muster roll shall voice thy answer with thy blood. 
No longer shall thy loyal feet toil over marches rough 
No longer shall thy faithful arm add to the crimson f^ood. 

The third day comes, the last great trial 'midst smoke and fire. 

Both sides do hold their ground, sullen 'midst heaps of dead. 

O ! does the cause remorseless still require 

That more shall follow those who in Death's agonies have bled? 

Yes ! Hear the stolid cannon's grim decree 

And see the stern-faced columns rush into the fatal flame. 

Quick is their doom; but there are others still to be 

Their death-mates, who, with leaping pulse hasten to claim 

Their need of glory though all earthly hopes do end. 



412 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

'Tis not a fight, where alien standards seek 
A place to glorify the pride of conquest : the life streams 
Of blue and gray alike the same source bespeak, 
Though kinship defers to duty and there seems 
No common tie 'twixt those who yon mad combat wage. 
How close they were in former days, a century's thrilling annals tell. 
Turn to their country's past, and read the heroic page 
Where foreign despots quaked o'er the far sounding knell 
Of sceptered thraldom's end, and vain ambitions fall. 
How changed the times when sons of patriot freemen strive 
And o'er the native shield doth hang the mournful pall, 
That tells of mutual woe in which the spark of hope seems not to e'en 
survive. 

Ah ! Then and there was valor tried as ne'er yet since time began. 

The opposing host did meet them as doth the gray scarred wall 

Of ocean's towering bounds. Man after man 

In the close packed ranks of the invading host did fall. 

Yet quick was closed the gaps and onward pressed the living mass 

Bent on the work in view though cannon's breath and fast devouring 

flame 
Did seek the frenzy of their high wrought spirits to e'en surpass. 
How they did battle ! Country ! Victory and an immortal name ! 
These were the impelling thoughts. There their graves shall be. 
Assailed and 'sailants both the earth is kind ! 
Ye shall be brothers in Eternity 
And from the toils of this wild hour a long, long rest shall find. 

Beyond the walls of stone, a Southern leader essays 

Cheering his hosts with hat high raised on sabre point. 

Brave was the act but soon a mortal wound the debt to rashness pays, 

Still, ere his eyes do close the valor of his troops his grievous hurts 

annoint. 
Yet all in vain ! With equal valor are they fully matched 
Straight 'gainst their furious ranks brave Webb undaunted strides. 
The Northern door is closed, bolted and latched 
And the eager tenant gladly 'gainst his furious foe collides. 
'Tis the last trial and man to man the fight they wage. 
The assailed, though thinned and torn, their leader's shout do hear 
And forth they rush impatient to engage 
Where danger most abounds and Death's grim medley fills the ear. 

Flows there a stream of Nature's wrath in wild volcanic land 
More hot than that which o'er the dreadful Angle sweeps? 
Fatal the spot ! well named "the bloody" ? Who can withstand 
Forked lightning's bolts? Men fall in heaps; 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 413 

Yet o'er their prostrate forms surviving comrades fight. 

To yield an inch doth cause the invader to crave an ell, 

And though the earth doth tremble and death is certain quite, 

To hold the ground is all-important until fresh arms shall quell 

The mad advance — Men face their doom 

Like walls of adamant and dying block the way. 

Thus doth the dead their living work resume 

And serve their country's cause e'en in their native clay. 

There, sternly erect, stood brave Gushing, the last of all his smoke- 
stained guns 
Dismantled and his life fast fleeting from a mortal wound. 
Like a war-god, who views, with grim philosophy, his slaughtered sons 
He gazes on his battery's wreck and through brave Webb's ears his 

thrilling words resound 
"If I had another gun I'd give them one more shot !" and then dies 
'Midst his iron-throated war-mates, loved by the stern gunner beyond 

the sum 
Of spoken language. Not stouter is the metal that besides him lies 
Than the brave heart that now forevermore is dumb. 
His still white face, firm in the sense of duty done, doth seek the upper 

world 
While with glad shouts his blue-garbed comrades hail 
The lesson of his dying speech as 'gainst the foe with ten-fold force 

their strength is hurled, 
Until the end is seen and victory comes close in the wake of fury's gale. 

"The flower of the land !" 'Tis no idle phrase 

The earth's red bosom knows her species. She doth bear 

Upon her tricking form what time shall not erase — 

Proud stain of brave men's blood for which posterity shall spare 

Her days of consecration and in glad hours rehearse 

The acts done here and feel the flush of glory for her kind. 

Yet the present still is urgent : Ere the clouds disperse 

And 'naught but red turf and fresh turned soil remain behind, 

Glance on yon hill and note the warrior chief, 

The Dam that checked the impetuous Southern flood 

Though fury drove its currents. His words are brief 

And firm his hand as through his glass he views the sea of blood. 

'Tis here O ! Meade the lasting glory of thy name 

Sprang like the sun-burst into being. Thy Soldier mind 

Did see the issue and to thy ready hand unerring judgment came. 

Soldier and leader alike ! All needful qualities combined 

Thy form doth stand colossal in the trying hour, 



414 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

Thy directing hand did skilfully dispose 

Of thy brave forces and to the fullest utilize their power. 

How, with thee and thine world's galaxy of heroes brighter grows ! 

Thee and thine ! Was there not one whom men have learned to know 

As "The superb" whose deeds resplendent friend and foe alike do 

praise ! 
HANCOCK! Thy bright genius here did on thy loyal men bestow — 
The fire of thy brave heart, all-pervading as the sun's fierce rays. 

Where smoke and death were thickest there was HANCOCK found. 
Where danger most beset the toil-spend hosts — his guiding hand was 

near. 
Go o'er the field where graves are plenty — there was HANCOCK'S 

ground. 
Ask the war-scarred veteran of the lion-heart that ne'er knew fear. 
Go to the spot where REYNOLDS fell and hear of him who came 
Thrice welcome to the sad-souled hosts and bade their gloom depart. 
Go to the scenes most desperate and the perpetual flame 
Of his well-earned glory doth rival the lurid glow of war's stern art. 
Deep was the wound he got but 'twas too late ; 
His sturdy arm had dealt the master-stroke 
His fierce-spent energy did, ere his grievous hour, the foeman's zeal 

abate 
And naught remained to do but keep his well formed lines unbroke. 

Fraternal strife ! Ah let the words grow strange ! 

As through the Patriot ear glad PEACE and UNION thrill. 

Look o'er the granite studded field and note the change 

That time has wrought on men and country. O ! drink thy fill 

Of inspiration on this storied ground and feel the grandeur of thy 

race — 
View here the towering mile-stone that through the centuries shall 

mark 
The sun-stilled hour in a Nation's pace 
Behold thy country's shrine whose vestal spark 
The starry guardians of man's destiny shall be. 
Read well the moral which this sacred spot proclaims — 
Here men did meet in strife : Henceforth in unity, 
While from yon silent mounds their Nation's brighter glory flames. 



ORDER OF EXERCISES— CONTINUED 

6. Unveiling of Monument. 

7. Song — "Auld Lang Syne." 

8. Benediction. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 415 



OFFICERS TO COMMAND THE REGIMENT 

Colonel, William N. Jones, late Captain of Co. D. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, Paul J. Hallowell, late Captain of Co. B. 

Major, John Irvin_, late Lieutenant of Co. D. 

Adjutant, William B. Rose, late Lieutenant of Co. H. 

Quartermaster, G. J. R. Miller. 

Surgeon, H. D. McLean, M. D. 

Sergeant-Major, William H. Neiler, late of Co. C. 

Color-Sergeant, John Houghton, late of Co. F. 

Aid to Commander-in-Chief, L. D. C. Tyler, late Captain of Co. H. 

Assistant Marshall (2d Div.), John W. Lynch, late Captain of Co. C. 

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 

James Thompson, President. 

William H. Neiler, Vice-President. 

William B. Rose, Secretary. G. J. R. Miller, Treasurer. 

MONUMENT COMMITTEE 

G. J. R. Miller, Chairman. 
Jos. R. C. Ward, Secretary. William B. Rose. 

L. D. C. Tyler. J,\mes Thompson. 



MEMBERS OF THE 106th REGIMENT WHO ATTENDED THE 

Dedication Ceremonies of monument at 
Gettysburg, Sept. ii and 12. 1889 
Field and Staff. 

Assistant Surgeons, Drs. Philip Leidy and H. D. McLean. 
Band. 

Geo. H. Jones, David R. Nerline. 
Company A. 

1st. Sergeant, Chas. H. Murdock; Sergeant, Francis A. 

Schaefer ; Corporals, John S. Dove, Wm. H. Brady ; Musician, 

Fred. Lewis ; Privates, Thos. M. Nixon, John S. Turner, Geo. 

W. Waldron, Geo. W. Webber. 

Company B. 

Captains, Paul J. Hallowell, James C. Lynch ; ist. Sergeant, 
Alonzo Schank; Musician, David B. Roach; Privates, Jos. 
Armbruster, Thos. Hill, Martin Kelly, Baker Schetzline, Harry 
Vaughan. 



416 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

Company C. 

Captain, John W. Lynch ; ist. Sergeant, Wm. H. Neiler ; 
Corporals, S. Macy Smith, Stephen Taylor, Rufus G. Brown; 
Musician, Clarence Landon ; Privates, Samuel W. Arbuckle, 
John Clary, Job. Crandall, O. C. Cole, Cornelius Dibble, 
Mahlon Gage, Geo. Hellem, Newton Hickok, Perry Kilborn, 

B. Frank Newell, Henry H. Spencer, James Warren, Matthew 
Ward, Thomas Ward. 

Company D. 

Captain, Wm. N. Jones; ist. Sergeant, Wm. Irvin ; Sergeants, 
David Irvin. Samuel Irvin, J. W. P. Parsons, Giles M. Coons, 
Albert Conklin; Corporals, I. S. Jones, Wm. Black; Privates, 
J. Frank Ammerman, Thos. Mathews, Horace N. Scott, David 
H. Hoagland. 

Company E. 

1st. Sergeant, Wm. J. Coward ; Sergeant, Rudolph Oestmann ; 
Corporal, Jas. E. DeCoursey; Privates, Wm. Connell, Franklin 
W. Hill, John McPherson. 

Company F. 

Lieutenant, Ed. J. Lathrop; ist. Sergeants, Richard Whit- 
moyer, E. E. Webb; Sergeant, John Houghton; Corporal, 
Chas. A. Rubright; Privates, John Stauflfer, Benj. Pout, J. 
H. Walter. 

Company G. 

1st. Sergeant, Allen J. Elliott; Corporal, Wm. H. Abrams; 
Private, Jos. S. Sellers. 

Company H. 

Captain, L. D. C. Tyler; Lieutenant, Wm. B. Rose; Sergeant, 
Fred Weideman; Musician, G. J. R. Miller; Privates, John 

C. Hallowell, John Stacey, Geo. Stratton, James Thompson, 
Thos. Thompson, Geo. Wilson, E. J. Flanagan. 

Company I. 

Lieutenant, Samuel L. Hibbs ; Corporals, Henry Neamand, 
Jos. R. C. Ward ; Privates, D. G. Lindley, John McClain, 
Alfred Mudford. 

Company K. 

Lieutenant, Wm. May ; Corporals, Thos. M. Tebo, Geo. Red- 
fort ; Privates, Jas. H. Eva, Austin S. Griswold, Leonard 
Morse, Chas. W. Tillotson, Jos. White. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 417 



RECAPITUI-ATION 

Field and Staff 2 

Band 2 

Company A 9 

B 9 

C 20 

D 13 

E 6 

F 8 

G 3 

H II 

I 6 

K 8 



97 



418 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



ANTIETAM 



The placing of monuments upon the battlefield of Gettysburg 
reminded the old veterans that other battlefields were just as im- 
portant to them, and would become just as interesting to future 
generations ; therefore, steps were taken to mark other battle- 
fields, and the old Philadelphia Brigade remembered too well 
Antietam's bloody field, where they did just as hard fighting as 
at Gettysburg, and where more noble lives of their comrades 
were given to win that battle, more of their members crippled for 
life and more bore upon their bodies the marks of wounds there 
received, and that that battlefield should have erected upon it a 
monument testifying to their bravery and the great loss they sus- 
tained, and steps were taken to raise the necessary funds. Every 
member of the Brigade was called upon to contribute his mite, 
lectures and entertainments were given and in two years nearly 
$10,000 was raised, then the State was appealed to and the Legis- 
lature appropriated $5,000. With these amounts the finest monu- 
ment erected on any battlefield in this country by the survivors of 
those who fought, was completed and erected upon Antietam's 
field, and was dedicated with appropriate services on September 
17, 1896, the thirty-fourth anniversary of the great battle. 

A preliminary meeting of the survivors and their friends was 
held in Washington the day before — that is on September 16 — as 
a reunion of the Blue and the Gray, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon 
and a Camp Fire in the evening, at which General D. H. Hastings, 
Governor of Pennsylvania ; ex-Governor General James A. 
Beaver ; Mayor Charles F. Warwick, of Philadelphia ; General 
Jas. W. Latta represented and spoke for the North and General 
Wm. A. Hemphill, of Georgia and Colonel Wm. R. Aylett, of Vir- 
ginia, for the South. Miss Louise N. Orndorff, of Baltimore, 
sang the song, " The New Rosette," and Miss Virginia F. Boyle, 
of Tennessee, recited a poem written for the occasion. The Asso- 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 419 

ciation was welcomed to Washington by Colonel Geo. Truesdell, 
and Archbishop Ryan, of Philadelphia, spoke on " A Reunited 
People ;" so that two very interesting, enthusiastic meetings were 
held, which did much to assist to verify that the reunion of the 
Blue and the Gray was a fact. 

The following are the officers of the Association and the mem- 
bers of the Committee on Monuments : 

PHILADELPHIA BRIGADE ASSOCIATION 

OFFICERS 

John W. Frazier, Cotnmander. 

Edward Thompson, Joseph R. C. Ward, 

Vice-Commander. Quartermaster. 

Charles W. Devitt, Adjutant. 

ANTIETAM MONUMENT COIVIMITTEE 

Fred. Middleton, 72d, Chairman. 

Jacob Wildemore 726. John W. Frazier 71st 

Edward Thompson 69th Jno. F. McNamara 69th 

John E. Reilly 69th Jos. R. C. Ward io6th 

Rob't McBride 72d Richard N. Somers 71st 

Elijah Cundey 71st James Bain 71st 

Sylvester Byrne 72d Paul A. Levis 72d 

Rob't E. Brett 72d Chas. C. Wartman 72d 

Thos. Furey 69th Alonzo A. Schank io6th 

Benton O. Severn 72d H. B. Newman 71st 

Joseph L. Wilson 71st William G. Mason 71st 

Harry L. Franks 71st Joseph E. Garrett 69th 

Joseph McCarroll 72d John Reed 72d 

Francis X. Keffer 71st Henry Neamand io6th 

John Bowers 72d A. P. Mecarnahey 72d 

Samuel W. Arbuckle io6th 

Arriving at Antietam early on the morning of September 17, 
the veterans scattered all over that famous field, single and in 
groups, going over the old grounds and calling to mind and tell- 
ing of personal incidents brought fresh to mind, as they tramped 
over that field or sat in the shade near where they received their 
wound or where their comrade fell at their side, and towards noon 
all began to assemble at the monument. 

The Association had purchased eleven acres of ground in the 



420 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

centre of that famous battlefield, over which they and their com- 
rades charged and fought on that fateful morning, in the centre 
of which was erected that magnificent monument of solid granite, 
reaching up over seventy feet, that, would stand for centuries to 
tell all of the noble work done by that brigade and the fearful loss 
they sustained. The following is a description of the monument: 

The total height of the monument is 70 feet and 6 inches. The first 
base is 14 feet square and weighs 32 tons; second base, 11 feet and 6 
inches square and weighs 23 tons ; third base, 9 feet and 6 inches square 
and weighs 16 tons; fourth base, 9 feet and 2 inches square and weighs 
19 tons ; die course, 6 feet square and weighs 18 tons ; plinth, 5 feet and 
8 inches square and weighs 5 tons ; cap, 8 feet and 2 inches and weighs 

18 tons ; second plinth weighs 5 tons ; section of lower shaft, 27 feet long, 
4 feet and 2 inches square at bottom and weighs 31 >^ tons; upper shaft, 

19 feet and 6 inches high and weighs 13 tons; weighing in all 180 tons; 
entire cost of the structure, $15,000. The inscriptions on the monument 
which are inscribed on the parts highly polished, are as follows : 

On each of the four sides of the third base in large, deep cut letters is 
the following: "Second Brigade, Second Division, Second Corps, Army 
of the Potomac." 

On the die course — north side : " The Philadelphia Brigade was mus- 
tered into the U. S. Service in 1861 under the first call for 300,000 three- 
year volunteers. Total enrollment, 1861-1865, 5320 men." South side: 
" The Philadelphia Brigade took part in the operations, battles and skirm- 
ishes of the Army of the Potomac from Ball's Bluff to Appomatox during 
term of service, 1861-1865. Total loss, 3409 men." East side: "The 
Philadelphia Brigade fought here Sept. 17th, 1862. Loss 545 men." West 
side : " The Philadelphia Brigade Organization, Sixty-ninth, Seventy- 
first, Seventy-second and One Hundred and Sixth Regiments, Pennsyl- 
vania Infantry." See cut on opposite page. 

The Brigade Association was accompanied by many friends 
and relations of the survivors and by some who lost their rela- 
tives in that battle, also veterans from the South, so that Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina and 
Georgia were represented, including General D. H. Hastings, 
Governor of Pennsylvania, and Hon. Lloyd Lowndes, Governor 
of Maryland, and their respective stafifs in full uniform. 

Owing to the necessity of Governor Hastings getting away 
early, as he was to speak in Ohio, the services were held earlier 
than intended and began about 12.30 p.m. 

The large audience surrounded the monument and was called 




PHILADELPHIA LRIGADE .MOXUMENT. 

On Antietam's Field. 

West of the Hagerstown Road, North of the Dunker Church. 

On plot of ground of eleven acres purchased by the Philadelphia Brigade Association. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 421 

to order by Comrade John W. Frazier, Commander of the Asso- 
ciation, with an appropriate address. 

Rev. John W. Sayers, Chaplain, Department of Pennsylvania, 
Grand Army of the Repubhc, opened with prayer. 

Governor Lloyd Lowndes, of Maryland, extended an official 
and cordial welcome to Governor Hastings, the veteran and their 
families and friends. 

Governor Hastings responded. 

Captain John E. Reilly, of the 69th Regiment, the orator 
selected, was then introduced and gave a fine address on the his- 
tory of the Brigade, its service and especially the noble work it 
did upon that historic field. 

Rev. Jacob L Peterson, of the 72d Regiment, presented the 
monument to the Association. 

Colonel Jos. R. C. Ward, of the io6th Regiment, Chairman of 
the Board of Trustees, received the monument on behalf of the 
Brigade Association and turned it over to Governor Dan'l H. 
Hastings, of Pennsylvania, who received it on behalf of the State 
of Pennsylvania and turned it over to Governor Lloyd Lowndes, 
who received it on behalf of the State of Maryland and turned it 

over to , who received it on behalf of Battlefield 

Memorial Association of the United States as the representative 
of the War Department. 

Colonel Ward, in receiving the monument, spoke as follows : 

Address of Colonel Jos. R. C. Ward 

(Late Corporal Company I, 106th Regiment, P. V.) 

In accepting on behalf of the Philadelphia Brigade the Brigade Monument on the 
Battlefield of Antietam, September 17, 1896 

Mr. Chairman. Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and Frieyids : 

I am somewhat embarrassed at the position in which I am 
placed to-day, to stand here as your representative to receive this 
handsome monument, a duty that was assigned to another, who at 
the last moment was unable to attend and, on the train here, I was 
called upon to take his place and speak for you, and in your name 
accept this monument as chairman of your Board of Trustees, 
in whose care it is to be left. 

I am certainly glad to perform this most pleasant duty, as this 



422 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

is one of the times, or one of the occasions, when if a man can 
speak he ought to do so, and standing upon this historic ground, 
with so many memories crowding upon us, there ought to be no 
lack of inspiration, if he can only command the words to give 
expression to the thoughts that that inspiration encourages, but 
with me, I feel I have not the words to satisfactorily give expres- 
sion to the thoughts that come crowding upon me ; hence I say 
I am embarrassed. 

I suppose I have been called upon because I am a representa- 
tive of the io6th Regiment, the only Regiment of the Brigade that 
has not been assigned some part in the dedicating services of 
to-day, and also because of having been appointed by the Presi- 
dent of our Brigade Association, as chairman of your Board of 
Trustees, and therefore the proper person to receive at your 
hands, Sir, this imposing monument. 

I am especially pleased, Comrade Peterson, to receive it at 
your hands, bearing, as you do the marks on your body of two 
wounds received on this battlefield, while you were so faithfully 
and heroically doing your duty as a member of our Brigade. It 
must indeed. Sir, be a great satisfaction to you, who like so many 
of us have taken such an active part in all the efforts taken to 
make the services of this day a certainty, as well as a great 
success, to see them so gloriously consumated. And I am glad 
I have been so honored as to be selected to represent and speak 
for such an organization as the "Philadelphia Brigade" and in 
their behalf receive this beautiful monument. 

And you, my Comrades, must certainly feel most grateful and 
proud to stand once more upon this historic ground, where thirty- 
four years ago you took such a prominent part in that great and 
bloody battle, grateful to our Heavenly Father, that He has 
spared your lives and cared for you during all those long years 
since we stood upon this field at that time, and proud of the 
valuable services rendered and the heroic sacrifices made upon 
this battlefield by the Brigade to which you belonged. 

My mind carries me back those thirty-four years, and I see 
you as we crossed the Antietam Creek near Pry's Mills on that 
bright and beautiful September morn, forming in Brigade lines 
in that woods over there under the gallant Sedgwick, marching 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 423 

in compact and solid lines through that woods, across that historic 
cornfield under that terrible fire, where the dead and dying lay 
so thick that you could hardly maintain your line, then crossing 
the Hagerstown Pike, over those two fences, then across this 
field and into that, the west wood ; I seem to hear again the sound 
of that terrible fire that opened upon you almost as soon as you 
entered that wood ; I see the two front lines give awa); before 
that fire ; I see the brave Howard holding you well in hand, until 
your front was cleared and you became the first line, and so 
directing your fire that you held your ground ; I see grand old 
Sumner rising in his stirrups, and with his slouch hat wave you 
back ; I see many of you rise and answer him with a cheer as you 
fix your bayonets ready for the charge you thought he wanted 
you to make, but he motions you back shouting "Back boys, 
for God's sake move back you are in a bad fix", and slowly you 
go, stubbornly contesting every foot of ground until you emerge 
from that wood into this field again, and are met with a most 
terrific enfilading fire from Walker's Division, that had rushed 
around your flank, and the fire of many guns that had been 
brought to bear upon this field. No troops could stand that fire, 
all formation was lost ; back you go in confusion, hundreds of 
your brave comrades go down before that fire ; down goes the 
veteran Morehead, the gallant Wister, and the brave Devereaux. 
Among the killed are Captains Bierwirth, 69th, Rovissel and 
Willets, 72d, and Clark, io6th, and Lieutenants Dunn and Mc- 
Hugh, 69th, Conroy and Wilson, 71st, Peabody, 72d, and Bryan, 
io6th, as you were driven from this field. I see again the little 
band of the io6th, plant their colors on that fence over to the 
north, and joined by others again open fire and by its directness 
checked the further advance of the enemy, and end the battle 
on this part of the field. But Oh ! at what sacrifice ? What terrible 
loss; 545 of our brave comrades fell, 118 yielding up their lives. 
Their life's blood mingling with the soil and hallowing it forever- 
more. 

Are you not justly proud of having been a member of that 
Brigade? Then realize how honored I feel, in having been called 
upon to represent you here, to speak for you and in }-our name 
receive this beautiful monument, commemorating as it does your 



424 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

heroic deeds and the noble sacrifice of your comrades, who gave 
their Hves upon this field ; methinks I see them now, in spirit forms 
hovering over us and holding down their shadowy arms to 
receive from us, their survivors, this imposing monument, and to 
whisper in our ears "we will faithfully guard it throughout all 
time". 

Sir, on behalf of that same "Philadelphia Brigade", so named 
because the four Regiments that composed it were raised, re- 
cruited and organized mostly in that beautiful city of Philadelphia, 
well and truly named the "City of Brotherly Love" and entirely 
within the confines of the grand old commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, the 69th, 71st, 72d and the io6th Regiments of Infantry, 
a Brigade that began its service in 1861, and continued together 
without intermission until 1865, marching together, tenting to- 
gether, fighting together, until bound together by such ties that 
each member seemed willing to lose his regimental association 
in the satisfaction of being a member of the Brigade, a Brigade 
that fought with the grand old "Army of the Potomac", in every 
battle from its organization under McClellan, until it ceased to 
exist under Meade, investing the works at Yorktown, charging 
to the support of that battery at Fair Oaks, holding the line in 
those woods at Savage Station, charging to save Meade's line at 
Glendale, repulsing the assault upon that battery at Malvern 
Hill, covering the retreat at Second Bull Run, and twice repulsing 
that victorious army, in the thickest of the fight on this, Antie- 
tani's bloody field, storming those works on "Mayres Heights" 
at Fredericksburg, and all day long, lying on that field under that 
most terrific fire of shot and shell and bullets, holding the ford 
on the Rappahannock, for the retreat of the army from Chan- 
cellorsville, holding the "Bloody Angle", at Gettysburg, July 2d 
and 3d, and repulsing the grandest assault ever made, of Pickett's 
Division of brave Virginians, ready to charge those works at 
Mine Run, fighting all day in that terrible Wilderness, and charg- 
ing over those burning works, assaulting and capturing that line 
of works on Spottsylvania's bloody field, trying it again at Cold 
Harbor, and not succeeding, refused to go back, staid there and 
threw up works of your own within thirty yards of their line, 
and held them against every assault, crossing the James, you 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENTS 425 

assault the works at Petersburg, repulsing their three assaults 
at Jerusalem Plank road, fighting your way at Deep Bottom, Wel- 
don Railroad, Ream's Station, Boydton Plank road, Hatcher's 
Run, and until the final surrender at Appomattox — Fighting in all 
forty-eight battles, and sustaining a loss of 3412 men. A Bri- 
gade, many of whose members answered the first call for troops 
in 1861, and the final muster in 1865. 

It is Sir, in the name of that Brigade, and on their behalf, that 
I accept this monument and promise to care for it as long as 
life lasts and exact the same from our successors. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



428 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



GENERAL TURNER GUSTAVUS MOREHEAD. 



General Turner Gustavus Morehead, was born at Balti- 
more, Maryland, on March i8, 1814, was educated and grew to 
young manhood in that city, but shortly after arriving of age, re- 
moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and at once became indentified with 
the soldiery of our commonwealth, by becoming a member of the 
"Artillery Corps Washington Grays" in May, 1835, one of the 
crack military organizations of the city of Philadelphia. He re- 
ceived his first promotion, to corporal, on the train as his company 
was proceeding to Harrisburg, to participate in what was then 
called the "Buckshot War," and rose by successive steps to the 
command of that excellent company and was its Captain during 
the Riots of 1844. 

When the Mexican War broke out, his company voted not to 
go. This was a great disappointment to their Captain, who felt 
that when his country called for her sons to protect her flag and 
maintain her honor, it was the duty of every good soldier to cheer- 
fully respond ; he therefore at once resigned the command of the 
company and offered his services to the State, and was immediately 
elected Captain of Company G, First Pennsylvania Regiment, 
known as the "Jefferson Guards", and with it proceeded to the 
front. He took an active part in nearly all the engagements of that 
war, principally the seige of "Vera Cruz", "National Bridge", 
"Cerro Gordo", "Castle Perote", "Unamantla", and the seige 
of "Puebla," at the latter he commanded Guadaloupe Heights, 
which, by rebuilding of the old fortifications, he rendered it im- 
pregnable, and was of great service to the garrison of "San Jose". 
He received the following complimentary notice in Frost's his- 
tory of that war: "Captain T. G. Morehead, First Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, commanding at Guadaloupe Heights, succeeded by 
constant labor in placing the dilapidated works of that place in 



GENERAL TURNER GUSTAVUS MOREHEAD 429 

good condition, and although he sustained no serious attack, 
yet by frequent sorties, he was of great assistance to the garrison 
at San Jose." 

Mustered in on December 9, 1846, was mustered out August 
5, 1848. 

He returned to the City of Philadelphia, an honored soldier 
with conscientiousness of duty well done, but could not long re- 
main a private citizen, for he soon became identified with the 
"Philadelphia Blues" and was Colonel commanding, when the 
War of the Rebellion broke out, and at once tendered the services 
of the Battalion to the Governor of the State, was accepted and 
authorized to complete the Battalion to a full regiment and on 
April 17, 1861, was mustered into the United States' Service, as 
the Twenty-Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, with 
Turner G. Morehead as Colonel, William L. Curry, Lieutenant- 
Colonel, and George A. McClain, Major. The Regiment at once 
proceeded to Baltimore, where it rendered efficient services to 
the Government, part as Provost Guard, and Colonel Morehead 
assumed command of the city, when the Police Commissioners 
were arrested by General Banks. 

At the expiration of this term of service, the Regiment returned 
to Philadelphia, and was mustered out on August 7, 1861. 

Almost immediately, Colonel Morehead received authority to 
recruit a Regiment for the full three years' service, and on 
August 21, 1861, only two weeks after being mustered out, he 
was again mustered in as Colonel of what afterwards became the 
One Hundred and Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, but 
at that time was known as the Fifth California Regiment, of 
Baker's California Brigade, which regiment he- commanded with 
signal ability, and brought it up to a state efficient discipline, and 
with it rendered most signal service to our country throughout 
the whole war, as the preceding pages of this book fully indicate. 

Colonel Morehead was an officer that was greatly admired 
and loved by all of the officers and men that served under him, all 
of whom rendered him every aid and assistance needed to perfect 
the organization, not through fear or martinette force, but for 
the affection and admiration they had for their commander, who, 
ever exercised over them a fatherlv care, and watched with un- 



430 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

failing persistence for their comfort and welfare, and seeing that 
they each and all got all that could come to them. The writer 
perhaps more than anyone else has reason to feel deeply grateful 
to that dear old man. He was so small when he tried to enlist that 
none of the recruiting officers would accept him, but Colonel 
Morehead's kind sympathetic nature led him to appreciate and 
encourage the patriotic feeling that animated the little fellow, and 
accepted him for his regiment, and at once took him under his 
fatherly care, and many a time when provisions were scarce, those 
of the Colonel were shared with the Drummer Boy, and on many 
of the long weary marches did the Drummer Boy ride one of the 
Colonel's horses, and whenever the Colonel came home he would 
go to see the mother and tell her how her little boy was getting 
along, and so it was with many other men of the Regiment, to 
whom he was not only their Colonel, but their guardian. 

In action he was cool, courageous, inspiring, brave, leading his 
men into action or walking" quietly among them as they lay 
supporting a battery, or behind their works, inspiring and encour- 
aging them with the same cool, courageous bravery. At Fair Oaks, 
Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Antietam and Fredericksburg, he 
shared all the dangers and exposures of his men, and though never 
wounded, was badly injured when his horse was shot from under 
him at Antietam, yet he remained with his Regiment. 

Detailed frequently to the command of the different brigades 
of the Corps, yet he only received his merited promotion as he 
returned home, disabled by disease, and mustered out on account 
of those disabilities, April 5, 1864, vvith the award of services 
well rendered, and was promoted to Brigadier General on March 
15, 1865. 

General Morehead was married to Louisa A. Kidd, and had 
three children born to them, two sons and one daughter, of 
whom, one son and the daughter survive him. His son, Gustavus 
K., followed in the footsteps of his father, and early became as- 
sociated with the military of Philadelphia, entering the National 
Guard in 1875, like his father, rose to the command of the same 
company "The Artillery Corps Washington Grays", now company 
G, First Regiment National Guards of Pennsylvania. 

General Morehead entered mercantile life and engaged in the 



GENERAL TURNER GUSTAVUS MOREHEAD 431 

wholesale shoe business until appointed Weigher of the Port of 
Philadelphia, which position he held for many years. 

He early entered the Grand Army of the Republic, and became 
commander of E. D. Baker Post No. 8 of Philadelphia, also a 
member of the Union Veteran Legion and the Military Order 
of the Loyal Legion. 

In 1882, he moved to Asbury Park, N. J., where he resided until 
his death on May 28, 1892, in the 78th year of his age. 



432 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COLONEL WILLIAM L. CURRY. 



Colonel William Lovering Curry, second son of William 
and Mary (Lent) Curry, was born in Philadelphia, Penna., 
January 29, 1833. Was educated at the Public Schools and 
graduated at the Central High School in 1850, and engaged in 
business with his father in the manufacture of paper hangings. 

From early boyhood he manifested a desire for the military 
and early entered a militia regiment of many years standing, 
known as the Philadelphia Light Guards, which upon the break- 
ing out of the war, entered the service as the Twenty-Second 
Pennsylvania, three months service, with William L. Curry as 
Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Upon the formation of the One Hundred and Sixth Penns}-1- 
vania, or as it was then known, the "Fifth California Regiment," 
which contained many officers and men of the Twenty-Second, 
Colonel Curry became its Lieutenant-Colonel and ably assisted 
Colonel Morehead in raising and completing the organization, 
was assigned to the California Brigade, commanded by General 
Baker. United States Senator from Oregon, and while he 
remained in command of it, Colonel Curry became quite a 
favorite and was several times sent by him to command the 
advance guard with these minute instructions : "Report by 
messenger any change observed across the river. Let your 
reports be full, and carefully digested before sent. Be assured 
of the reliability of information, make no movement of your 
troops without orders, unless attacked, and then only in holding 
your position." 

The winter at Camp Observation was exceedingly a trying 
one to the officers in their laborious efforts to make soldiers of 
the men under them, and increase the discipline and efficiency of 
their commands. Colonel Curry, fully alive to the importance 
of well disciplined troops, lost no opportunity to impress the 





Lieutenant Colonel, 106th Reg't., Fenna. Vol 



COLONEL WILLL-iM L. CURRY 433 

same upon both officers and men under him, and to enforce 
obedience when requests were unheeded, and greatly assisted his 
Colonel in bringing the Regiment to the state of drill, discipline 
and proficienc}^ it acquired, in fact it was more through his 
personal efforts and example that the Regiment attained such 
proficiency, as the improvement was plainly notable each time 
when left in command of it by the frequent absence of Colonel 
Morehead. 

On January 13th, 1862, he was elected President of the Burial 
Association of the Regiment, an organization formed for the 
purpose of sending home the bodies of officers or men who died 
in the service, or were killed in action. 

On March 3d, he was selected by General Burns to command 
the detachment of the Regiment, consisting of five companies 
and two pieces of artillery, sent to take possession of and hold 
Loudon Heights, across the Shenandoah river at Harper's Ferry ; 
rejoining his Regiment and accompanying it in the advance on 
Winchester, and then to the Peninsula. In front of Yorktown 
he was also of great service to his commanding officer, and at 
Fair Oaks he had ample scope for the exercise of his military 
talent, and gallantly did he acquit himself. The Regiment was 
supporting Kirby's Battery, against which General Magruder 
threw his whole force to capture it, recognizing it as the battery 
he had commanded before the war. The Regiment assisted in 
hurling back that foe, who were determined to secure those guns, 
and Colonel Curry, by his cool bravery, inspired the men and en- 
couraged them in their duty. 

On the night of June 9th, 1862, while serving as Field Officer- 
of-the-Day, in visiting the pickets at early dawn, not knowing that 
they had fallen back, he walked into the enemy's lines, was taken 
prisoner, marched to Richmond, thence to Petersburg and finally 
to Salisbury, where he was subject to privations and experienced 
some very harsh treatment. 

On September 9th, Colonel Curry visited the Regiment on its 
march towards Antietam, having been released, but as his ex- 
change had not been effected, he could not report for duty ; but 
did so on October 9th, at Harper's Ferry, and was very cordially 
received bv both officers and men. 



434 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

At Fredericksburg the Regiment was among the first to cross 
the river, and was engaged in driving the enemy from the streets. 
On the 13th, he accompanied the Regiment in that fearful charge, 
and remained with it during the entire day, subjected to that 
terrible fire and exposed to that still more dangerous fire of the 
sharpshooters, who picked off seven of the commissioned officers 
of the Regiment, and received from Colonel Morehead, in his 
official report, the following testimonial : "My confidence in Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Curry and Major Stover, by their cool and daring 
courage and their unexceptional deportment, is only increased 
if possible." 

Colonel Morehead being assigned to the command of a Bri- 
gade, the command of the Regiment devolved upon Lieutenant- 
Colonel Curry almost the entire winter of '62 and 'G^). and again 
upon Lee's second invasion of Pennsylvania, consequently he 
led the Regiment at Gettysburg, and on the afternoon of July 2d, 
when ordered by General Hancock to support Sickles' right, ad- 
vanced with his regiment, upon reaching the crest found the 
enemy within sixty yards, at once directed his men to open fire, 
and after two or three volleys, seeing their lines waver, ordered 
a charge and drove them back beyond the Emmitsburg road, re- 
capturing three guns of Brown's Battery ; and at the Codori 
House took as prisoners Colonel Gibson, five captains, fifteen lieu- 
tenants and over two hundred men of the Forty-Eighth Georgia ; 
and would have captured or spiked a six gun battery, if he had 
not been ordered to withdraw his command to the position of the 
Brigade. That same evening, he was ordered to report to Major- 
General Howard, commanding the Eleventh Corps, to support 
his batteries, and during the 3d of July, greatly aided in repelling 
the many and determined assaults made by the enemy to dislodge 
our troops from their position at that point ; and early on the 
morning of July 4th, led his command, by order of General Ames, 
down into, and through the town of Gettysburg, taking a posi- 
tion on the north of the town, which he held until withdrawn by 
order of General Ames. Thus was his command the first to enter 
the town after the repulse of the First and Eleventh Corps on the 
night of the ist, and on the 5th, rejoined his Brigade. (See his 
official report, page 208.) 



COLONEL JJILLIAM L. CURRY 435 

Colonel Curry may be said to have remained at the head of 
his Regiment from that time (as Colonel Morehead was present 
but a little while at different times), except such times as he was 
called to higher command, as on August 17, to the command of 
the Brigade, returning on September 5th, and on September 12th 
was assigned to the command of the First Brigade, returning 
to the Regiment October loth ; he commanded the Regiment on 
the flank march on Centerville, during which the battle of 
Bristoe Station was fought, and during the Mine Run Campaign, 
and an engagement at Robertson's Tavern or Locust Grove. 

When Grant opened his campaign in the spring of 1864, Colonel 
Curry was the only field officer of the Regiment. Colonel More- 
head having resigned, and was discharged April 5, 1864, and 
Major Stover promoted to Colonel of the One Hundred and 
Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania. Lieutenant-Colonel Curry was 
therefore, commissioned Colonel, but owing to reduced command 
was not mustered. 

He led his Regiment through that terrible battle of the Wilder- 
ness, when the commanders of all the other Regiments of the 
Brigade were either killed or wounded, and came out without a 
scratch ; and following up the movement towards Spotts}'lvania, 
he was ordered on May 9th to cross the Po River, which he did, 
and driving in the enemy's skirmishers, effected a lodgment for 
the Division to cross, and on the loth, participated in the assault 
at Laurel Hill, where they charged under a most terrific fire, 
meeting with terrible loss and forced to retire ; the loss in the 
two Corps amounting to nearly five thousand ; during the night 
the lines were advanced and the men at work entrenching, and at 
daylight of May nth the position of the One Hundred and Sixth 
Pennsylvania was found to be a very exposed one, requiring the 
men to labor hard on the works they were erecting to protect them- 
selves, subjected to a heavy fire of the enemy, which told with 
fatal effect upon the Regiment. It was here that Colonel Curry 
fell mortally wounded and was carried to the rear and sent to 
Washington ; the wound being on the right leg, too near the groin 
to admit of amputation ; he was taken to the Douglass Hospital, 
where he received every attention which medical skill and good 
nursing could afford, but in vain, and he died July 7th, 1864. 



436 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

His remains were removed to Philadelphia, where he was buried 
with full military honors, on Tuesday, July 12th, at Laurel Hill 
Cemetery. 

Colonel Banes, in his "History of the Philadelphia Brigade", 
speaks of Colonel Curry as follows : "He had won a good reputa- 
tion as a faithful and intelligent officer, and at different periods 
of the service had been entrusted with the command of a brigade". 

His was a great loss to the Regiment ; his men had full con- 
fidence in his ability to lead them, and became very much attached 
to him — brave and fearless himself, he instilled the same into his 
men ; an efficient officer ; he won the respect and admiration of 
his superior officers, who regretted his loss as much as his men. 

Post No. 18 of Philadelphia Grand Army of the Republic, one 
of the oldest Posts in the Department of Pennsylvania was named 
after him, and is now known as Wm. L. Curry Post No. 18, 
Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic. 





i^^^'(^ 



COLONEL JOHN H. STOVER 437 



COLONEL JOHN H. STOVER. 



Colonel John H. Stover was born at Aaronsburg, Centre 
County, Pennsylvania, April 24th, 1833. He received a common 
school and academic education, studied law, and was admitted 
to practice at Bellefonte, Pa., in 1857. In 1859 ^^ ^'^'^s elected 
District Attorney of Centre County, which ofifice he filled at the 
breaking out of the Rebellion. In April, 1861, when news came 
of the firing on Fort Sumter, although he had been prostrated by 
a lingering fever for six weeks previously, yet with the assistance 
of a friend he walked to the Court House to a hastily-called meet- 
ing and was one of the first to enroll his name as a soldier. At 
Camp Curtin being still too weak for active duty he was discharg- 
ed by Surgeon's certificate, but Governor Curtin immediately 
authorized him to raise a company of his own. In three days the 
Company was full and was mustered in as Company B, Tenth 
Pennsylvania Regiment, three months' service. 

Captain Stover commanded this company during the three 
months' service, his Regiment being attached to General Patter- 
son's command, and while near Falling Waters, Va., his Com- 
pany was sent out on a scout, he soon fell in with a battalion of 
Rebel Cavalry, and although outnumbered three to one, he suc- 
ceeded in putting the enemy to flight, after a spirited engagement. 

In November, 1861, he was commissioned Major of the One 
Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, and joined his Regiment which 
was lying near Poolesville, Md. From that time forward he 
remained with the Regiment, ably seconding Colonel Morehead 
and Lieutenant-Colonel Curry in bringing the Regiment to that 
standard of discipline and efficiency which proved of such signal 
service in the near future. He participated with the Regiment 
(unless on detached service) in all its engagements, and by his 
cool, daring and unflinching bravery, won from the men their 
respect, admiration and affection. At Savage Station, Va., he 



438 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

was in command of the skirmish hne, consisting of two companies 
of the One Hundred and Sixth and two companies of the Seventy- 
Second Regiments, and had the honor of opening that sanguin- 
ary fight, while the brigade was being formed in the hne of 
battle. His example of personal bravery inspired his men with 
courage, who faithfully executed his commands, given in a voice 
so loud and clear as to be heard along the whole line, and thus 
kept the enemy in check until General Burns advanced with the 
Brigade. Major Stover then acted as aide to General Burns and 
rendered him such assistance as to receive from General Burns 
special mention in his official report. He says: "Here Major 
Stover of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania was of the 
greatest aid to me. I had sent all of my staff officers to conduct 
re-enforcements, and was wounded in the face by a minie ball. 
Major Stover was the only mounted officer on the field, and volun- 
teered his efforts to carr}^ orders and report movements of the 
enemy during the hottest fire — timely to me." In February, 1864, 
Major Stover was authorized by the Secretary of War to raise 
a new regiment, and was mustered out of the One Hundred and 
Sixth, in April following, to receive promotion, and was appointed 
Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania, 
which was attached to, and remained with the Second Division, 
Second Corps, until the close of the war. 

At the close of the war. Colonel Stover immigrated to Missouri. 
In 1868, he was elected to Congress; in 1870, he was a candidate 
on the State ticket for Secretary of State, and in 1872, was the 
candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. 

In 1876, he was one of Missouri's Commissioners to the Cen- 
tennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he again 
mingled freely with his former army friends. He lived at Aurora 
Springs, Mo., practising his profession as a lawyer until he died 
on October 27, 1889, leaving a wife and one daughter. The 
widow, Mary Ellen Hover Stover, died on April 19, 1904, and the 
daughter was married to Dr. J. C. Kamerly on February 2"/, 1901, 
and is living at Altoona Pa., having one child, Ellen Elizabeth. 

Colonel Stover will be well remembered by the survivors of his 
old Regiment, to which he was warmly attached. Being over 
six feet high and weighing over 250 pounds, the ver}^ sight of 



COLONEL JOHN H. STOVER 439 

him was calculated to give courage to less conspicuous marks. 
At various times he was placed in command of the Sixtv-Ninth 
and Seventy-Second Regiments, and by his uniform courtesy 
won the respect of all. Cautious and cool in action he never ex- 
posed his men to unnecessary dangers ; firm and determined he 
never undertook anything that he did not successfully accomplish. 
In quarters, or in bivouac he was the life of the camp; in the hos- 
pital his rough hand was as tender as a maiden's, and many a 
sick and sufifering soldier felt better from his visit. Colonel 
Stover always had a warm spot in the hearts of the survivors of 
the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, to which he is justly 
entitled, by proving himself to be a good soldier, a conscientious 
officer and faithful friend. 



440 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



GENERAL JAMES CANNING LYNCH. 



General James Canning Lynch, the oldest son of Colonel 
James and B. Finette Lynch, came of military stock, his father 
having fought in the war of 1812 and in the wars against the 
Seminoles in 1818 and 1836, commanding a Regiment of Alabama 
Volunteers in 1836. 

He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Januar}- i6th, 1840, 
and removed with his parents to Philadelphia in 1842, where he 
received his education. He graduated from the Philadelphia 
High School in 1854, and entered the counting room of Boker & 
Brothers, where he remained until the breaking out of the Re- 
bellion, in April, 1861, when he left a lucrative position to enlist 
as private in the Henry Guards, for the three months' service. 
On August 8, 1 86 1, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant 
of Company A, One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, or Fifth 
California Regiment, as it was then known, which company he 
was mainly instrumental in recruiting. Was commissioned First 
Lieutenant of same company, November i, 1861, and was pre- 
sent at all the actions in which the Regiment was engaged, ex- 
cept the battles of Fair Oaks, when this company was on detach- 
ed service. Commanded his company at Antietam. On January 
4, 1863, he was promoted to Captain of Company B. 

At Gettysburg, by his personal gallantry, he won the admiration 
of General Webb, then commanding the Brigade, who afterwards 
appointed him on his staff as x\ssistant Inspector General. His 
services at that battle were very important and ably rendered. 
He made a reconnoissance with his company on the morning 
of July 2d, west of the Emmitsburg road, uncovering a large 
force of the enemy in the woods, near Seminary Ridge. That 
same afternoon, with his company, he charged upon the Bliss 
House, held by Sixteenth Mississippi, and was repulsed, losing 
one officer and eleven men, and when four companies of the 



"ANNIN ■ ..:H, 

; 'f Coloric! 

came of military stock, his fathoi- 

•'^T2 and in the wars against th-> 

blinding a Regiment of Alabama 



8.12, where h- 
Mladelphi. 

lig out 
le lefc a lucrative p- 

• ^ ''^ftfnar!' 

*:^ennsylvani 
• i-!!L. ii-- ■ \\ .^b iKcu K'l'vwn, which COirp^Ulj i: 
'•ni.entn] in recri.iiting. W.'^s c^mniis'sioned Fir^i 
i- " virci; ■ '^vember , 

seui at ..'••It ni w MiCn die Regimerr ■■'S'^^'> '" 

ccpt the ,' Fair Oaks, when this comp;^" -r dctac'^ 

'•; '1 \^ company at Antietam 

ritmorei-i t'> 'Captain of Company h. 
bv h:s personal ^i^sllantr-v he ^y^ri the adrr: 

•mmandi 
; n.s stn'"*' ' . ■.j-;ntrai. i:.. 

:)r^-t':- ^^ . nbl-' rcndercr: 

road, uucGvenng a lari^' 
. T Semin.irA' Ridce. Th.': 

::ncl was repukiCu, iosn., 
-n four companies of t!' 





Col. 183rd Penn'a Vols. 



GENERAL JAMES CANNING LYNCH 441 

Twelfth New Jersey were sent to his assistance, charged with 
them, and together they captured tha house and many prisoners. 
On the 3d of July, he was selected by General Webb to command 
the Brigade picket line, or skirmishers,and so ably handled them 
during Pickett's grand charge, as to delay the advance of Gar- 
nett's Brigade, they thinking they had struck our advance line 
of battle, thus enabling General Webb to replace his two disabled 
batteries with others that greatly assisted in repulsing that charge. 
Captain Lynch was, during September, 1863. transferred to the 
Third Division staff as Division Inspector, and while serving 
there was wounded at Bristoe Station, Va., October 14, 1863. and 
finally in February, 1864, was transferred to the Second Division 
staff, displaying great ability as a staff officer, in whom his com- 
manding Generals imposed the utmost confidence, knowing that 
if Captain Lynch was told to do anything that it would be done, 
and if sent anywhere, no matter how perilous, he would go. 

In June, 1864. at the request of General Hancock, he was com- 
missioned Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty-Third Penn- 
sylvania, then in the first Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, 
and Governor Curtin, learning that the Regiment did not number 
sufficient men to allow his muster in that rank, at once sent him 
the commission of Lieutenant-Colonel of the same Regiment, and 
on June 24th, he took command of it. On July 19th, General 
Hancock, in order to give Colonel Lynch rank enough to com- 
mand a Brigade, transferred to his Regiment nearly 300 Veterans 
from the Seventy-Second Pennsylvania, and he was mustered in 
as Colonel. 

This only gave more scope to his excellent military ability, and 
at the head of his Regiment, and frequently commanding the Bri- 
gade, he displayed gallantry unsurpassed, as well as ability, that 
drew from his Corps and Division Commanders the highest praise. 

At Deep Bottom, A'^a., on July 27, 1864, with 232 men, he ad- 
vanced across an open plain, and attacked Kershaw's Brigade of 
1300 men, with a battery of four twenty-pound Parrott guns, 
posted on the edge of a woods, behind strong works. This 
assault was witnessed by Major Camp, of the Tenth Connecticut, 
who, in a private letter to his familx', published in H. C. Trum- 
bull's "Knightly Soldier", graphically described the part taken by 



442 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

General Lynch as follows : Speaking of the first advance he 
says, "There are two or three mounted officers — one of them with 
a straw hat — cantering about among the men. That looks to 
us like recklessness. We are in the habit of seeing officers go 
into a fight dismounted ; but we can't help admiring their pluck". 
Then, after describing the failure of the first assault he continues : 
"The horseman with the straw hat gallops to and fro, waving 
his sword, pointing to the front, pressing them to come up once 
more. Some are ready to try it ; the color-bearer rushes forward, 
stands on the highest point of groitnd where the bullets must be 
flying like hail, turns and waves his colors to those behind. We 
can hardly help cheering the brave fellow, and that noble rider, 
who is in front of all, dashing on and calling them to follow. 
We expect every moment to see him go down, and strain our 
eyes with eager watching. How can men help following him? 
But no : too many hold back ; and those who are willing are dis- 
couraged, and give way too. Yet tlw-stvaw-hat-uian won't give 
it up so. He will try flanking them. He plants the colors 
in a sheltered spot, forms line there and moves off in this dir- 
ection approaching obliquely the rebel works, and his men start 
after him with a rush, and before long we hear that the works 
are taken and four Parrott guns with them. We met the officer 
with the straw hat within the works. Henry talked with him 
and learned that he was Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty- 
Third Pennsylvania, commanding a Brigade in Barlow's Division 
of Hancock's Corps. A very fine-looking fellow, and modest as 
he is brave. His name was Lynch. His hat had been pierced 
by a bullet and his horse shot from under him ; but he came out 
without a scratch". 

Colonel Lynch was brevetted Brigadier General for his gal- 
lantry in this action, and the next day, July 28, 1864, took com- 
mand of the First Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, which 
he commanded until he resigned his commission in October, 1864, 
the Brigade being most of the time in the trenches in front of 
Petersburg, and on the extreme right of the army of the Potomac, 
a position requiring extraordinary vigilance. 

At the battle of Ream's Station. August 25, 1864, so dis- 
astrous to the Second Corps, his Brigade was attacked on the left 



GENERAL JAMES CAXXING LYXCH 443 

flank and rear, and for a time the batttery on his front was in 
the enemy's hands, but he succeeded in a change of front with the 
Sixty-First New York, which was his right Regiment, led it in 
a gallant charge, which retook the guns and re-established his 
Brigade line. His was the only Brigade of the Corps which came 
off that field intact, in good order, and all the men with their 
colors. 

Upon leaving the army, General Lynch returned to Philadel- 
phia and engaged in the Real Estate business, with which interest 
he is still identified, having successfully accomplished several 
large building enterprises. He married Miss Matilda Sprogell, 
daughter of the late INIarshall Sprogell, and has a family of three 
children, two sons and one daughter. 

General Lynch died on April 12, 1901, at Philadelphia, and was 
buried with full military honors, and memorial services were held 
at Post 2, G. A. R. Rooms. He left a widow and three children, 
the youngest son, Ralph A., having served as an officer through- 
out the Spanish-American War. 



444 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 



COLONEL JOS. R. C. WARD. 



Colonel Joseph Ripley Chandler Ward, third son of Col- 
onel George W. and Matilda W. Ward, was born in Philadelphia, 
Penna., June 2y, 1845. 

He came of a long line of military men, his great grandfather 
was Captain of the Massachusetts Regiment during the War of 
the Revolution, his grandfather was Colonel of the Massachusetts 
Militia, and his father Colonel of the Militia of Pennsylvania and 
an aide on the stafif of Governor James Pollock, and he began his 
own military career quite young when in July, 1859, he accom- 
panied his uncle, by marriage. Lieutenant R. V. Bonneau, of the 
United States Army, to the frontiers, crossing the plains from 
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort LTnion, New Mexico, the trip 
occupying nearly two months, and remained with him in Albu- 
querque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until the suiTfmer of i860, 
when he accompanied the detachment of five companies of the 
Third Infantry, Lieutenant Bonneau commanding Company H, to 
Texas, by the Rio Pecos, a new route, never travelled before by 
white men, ejccept a surveying party. They were then stationed 
at Fort Clarke, Texas, until the secession of that State in March, 
1861 and the United States Troops were ordered out of the State. 
When the troops left there, he accompanied them to Indianola, 
and was placed on the United States Transport, the "Empire City 
of New York." They sailed from Indianola with five companies 
of the 3d U. S. Infantry and four companies of the ist U. S. 
Cavalry on board the transport under escort of the only United 
States War Vessel then in that locality, the "Mohawk," the day 
before the Rebel General Van Dorn landed and captured the 
remaining LI. S. Troops, arriving in New York some time in 
April, 1 86 1. Here he separated from his army friends and re- 
turned to his family in Philadelphia, where he found all excite- 
ment, consequent upon the departure for the war, of the three 
months' regiments, and became imbued with that spirit of loyalty 




(^(l^aMwJkf 




Late Corporal Co. I, 106th Regt. P. V. 



COLONEL JOS. R. C. WARD 445 

which prompted so many to rush to arms. As soon as the recruit- 
ing began for the three years' regiments he made apphcation at 
nearly every recruiting office only to meet the same answer : "too 
small ;" "we don't want boys." 

In the meantime he organized a company of boys about his 
•own age and as Captain of it, so perfected them in the drill as to 
win praise from all who witnessed their exhibitions; especially 
was this the case on the Fourth of July, 1861, when the citizens 
were kept waiting for that large parade under General Pleasan- 
ton, and he was requested to drill his company in the open space 
on Broad street below Market, in the presence of Mayor Henry, 
City Officers, members of Councils and their families and friends, 
seated on large stands erected in front of South Penn Square, 
receiving a perfect ovation of applause for the proficiency shown 
by those forty young soldiers during that hour's drill. 

He still persisted in his efforts to enlist, each refusal only 
urging him to more determined eft'orts. until he was finally, 
through the intervention of friends, accepted by Colonel ]\Iore- 
head, and mustered into the United States' service as musician of 
Company I, of what was then the Fifth California Regiment, 
afterwards the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, and on the 
morning of September 30, 1861, the Regiment started for the 
front. 

During the whole two years and a half services with the Regi- 
ment, Musician Ward was always prompt in the discharge of 
his duties, accompanying the regiment in all of its marches, day 
and night ; always going into camp with it no matter how long 
the march, except just after leaving the hospital on the march 
to the relief of General Pope, or second Bull Run. accompanying 
them on their tours of picket duty and special services, and fre- 
quently going with them into the fight, until ordered back by the 
officers. 

In the spring of 1864, when General Grant assumed command 
of the Armies of the United States, to increase the strength 
and efficiency of the cavalry force, he ordered all details serving 
as orderlies at the different headquarters, to rejoin their regi- 
ments and infantrv men to be mounted to take their place. 



446 THE ONE HUXDRED AND SIXTH REGIMEXT 

Musician Ward at once made application for the appointment, 
and when ordered to report to Brigade Headquarters, the Assistant 
Adjutant General, Captain Seabury, upon learning that he was a 
musician, declined to accept him and ordered him back to his 
regiment ; but Ward persisted and told him, "that he was tired 
of being nothing but a drummer boy, and wanted to be something 
else". This caused the Captain to question him closely and he 
finally told him to return to his Regiment, and he would notify 
him if accepted ; in a few days he was notified to report to Bri- 
gade Headquarters and was sent to Division Headquarters, where 
the Assistant Adjutant General, Major Nerval, also objected, 
principally on account of his size, but finally accepted him, and 
on April 15, 1864. he reported there for duty. 

During the terrible campaigns that followed, beginning at the 
Wilderness, and ending at Petersburg, he made every efifort to 
discharge his onerous and difficult duties to the satisfaction of 
General Gibbon commanding the division and his stafif of officers, 
and has the satisfaction of knowing that he was successful, as not 
only Major Xorval, and Captains Lynch, Embler, Palmer and' 
Gail, had frequently so expressed themselves to him. but General 
Gibbon also, as on June loth, at Cold Harbor, he called Ward to 
him, inquired his full name and regiment, and then said : " I am 
very well pleased with the manner in which you have discharged 
your duties since you have been at these Headquarters," subse- 
quently had him released from all other duty but to go with him 
when he went out. During the fight at Spottsylvania Court 
House. Va., Alay 12, 1864, Ward was slightly wounded in the 
right shoulder, but remained on duty. 

Upon arriving at Petersburg, for some carelessness, the General 
ordered the Corporal in charge of the Orderlies at Headquarters 
to be sent back to his Regiment, and the next day had Ward ap- 
pointed Corporal, and gave him charge over all the Orderlies 
at Division Headquarters. On July 20th, when he requested 
General Gibbon to be relieved that he might return home with 
his Regiment, as his term of service was about expired, the Gen- 
eral said he was sorry to have him go, and urged him to stav, 
promising him further promotion ; but he was anxious to get 
home after three vears' service, and was finallv mustered out with 



COLONEL JOS. R. C. WARD . 44T 

his company at Philadelphia, September lo, 1864. 

Corporal Ward received the following testimonials as to his- 
efficiency and faithfnl discharge of his duties: 

Headquarters 2d Division, 2d Corps, 

Near Petersburg, Va., September 3d, 1864. 
Joseph R. C. Ward, late a Corporal in the One Hundred and 
Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, having applied to me for 
a recommendation, I take great pleasure in stating that he acted 
for some time as orderly at my headquarters, and that I found him 
active, intelligent and persevering. His conduct was such as to 
elicit my special attention, and I obtained his promotion to a 
corporalcy, for the intelligence and promptness with which he 
attended to his duties. John Gibbon, 

]\Iajor-General Vols., commanding Division. 

Also 

Philadelphia, September Sth, 1S65. 
Corporal Jos. R. C. Ward, 

Company I, io6th Regiment Penna. Volunteers : 
I take great pleasure in bearing testimony to your efficiency and 
uniform promptitude in the performance of your duty as a soldier. 
You frequently came under my eye, in action, whilst serving as 
Chief of Oderlies on General Gibbon's staff, and by your personal 
gallantry commanded my respect, and my commendation when- 
ever opportunity offered. I received an order from Division 
Headquarters through you, which I do not think would have 
reached me otherwise, as I was at the time hotly engaged with the 
enemy. 

I wish you full success in your future, and always believe me to 
be your friend, 

Joshua T. Owen, Brigadier-General Volunteers, 
Com. 2d Brig.. 2d Div., 2d Corps. 
And the following: 

Philadelphia, Oct. 3d, 1880. 
"SIy Dear Colonel Ward : 

It affords me much pleasure to be able to testify to the value 
of your services in the field. 

Although a mere boy in 1864, and enl-isted as a musician, you 
abhorred the duty in and about the hospital during an action, and 
chose rather to be at the front in the arduous and dangerous posi- 
tion of staff orderly. 

You served at the Headquarters of the 2d Division. 2(1 Corps 
during the Campaign from the Rapidan to Petersburg, and when- 



448 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

eVer I required the services of the bravest and most willing order- 
ly at Headquarters I took you with me and you always performed 
the most dangerous duty cheerfully and well. 
Yours very truly, 
James C. Lynch, late Brvt. Brig. General U. S. V. 
To Colonel Joseph R. C. Ward. 

While in Philadelphia waiting to be discharged, he received 
an appointment as Paymaster Steward on board the U. S. Receiv- 
ing Ship, "Wyoming", at the Navy Yard, in the latter part of 
August, 1864, and soon after the ship was ordered away, and as 
he had not been mustered out of the Army, he could not leave 
Philadelphia, so he was discharged after two weeks' service. 

Still retaining his preference for military life, he enlisted as a 
member of the Gray Reserve Regiment of Philadelphia, after- 
wards the First Regiment National Guards of Pennsylvania, early 
in the spring of 1865, and for over four years served as an enlisted 
man in Company C, of that Regiment. In September, 1869, was- 
elected Second Lieutenant of Company K, of the Seventh Regi- 
ment, and in May, 1870, was appointed Adjutant of the Eighth 
Regiment, until called to higher station in July, 1871, by being 
elected Colonel of the Thirteenth Regiment, N. G. of Pennsyl- 
vania. Here, by hard labor and persistent effort, he brought his 
Regiment to a state of proficiency and discipline that was recog- 
nized, and received special notice from his superior officers. Upon 
the reduction of the National Guard, and the consolidation of 
command. Colonel Ward declined the command of a Battalion, 
and was mustered out in September, 1873, and was afterwards 
appointed Major and Assistant Adjutant-General of the Third 
Brigade, which position he was compelled to resign on account of 
his preparations for attending college. He became active in the 
suppression of the Railroad Riots in 1877 and organized a com- 
pany. He was again mustered into the State service as Captain 
of Company C, Twentieth Veteran Regiment, N. G. Pa., and for 
two months did active and hard service at Pittsburg, Scranton 
and Wilkes-Barre, and when his services were no longer needed, 
was mustered out with the Regiment at Philadelphia. Since then 
he has taken no part in military life except as a member of the 
Veteran Corps of the First Regiment, N. G. Pa., of which he was 



COLONEL JOS. R. C. WARD 44& 

First Lieutenant, until the breaking out of the War with Spain, 
when he tendered his services to both the State and National 
Government. He was finally selected by Hon. John Wanamaker 
to organize a regiment, that he offered to equip for the Govern- 
ment. Colonel Ward as the Commander of that regiment re- 
cruited over thirteen hundred men, organized twelve full com- 
panies, and gave it his undivided attention for over four months, 
with two companies drilling each night and battalion drill each 
week, he brought the regiment up to fine state of drill and disci- 
pline, bvit the war ended before their services were accepted, so 
that neither Colonel Ward or the regiment were mustered into 
the service of the Government. Colonel Ward is now retired with 
the rank of Colonel, and has been placed upon the roll of Retired 
Officers of the National Guard of Pennsylvania. 

In 1886 Colonel Ward was elected Military Instructor at 
Girard College, Philadelphia, and for over seven years filled that 
responsible position, having under him a battalion of four com- 
panies containing over two hundred and fifty boys, and main- 
tained the reputation of that battalion as being the finest drilled 
battalion of cadets in the United States outside of West Point and 
Annapolis, until the United States Government took charge and 
detailed one of its officers. Lieutenant Edward C. Brooks of 7th 
U. S. Cavalry, to take charge and relieve Colonel Ward. 

Colonel Ward took great interest in the Grand Army of the 
Republic, joining it in January, 1868, and for over eleven years 
filled the offices of Quartermaster, Adjutant and Post Com- 
mander of George G. Meade Post No. i, of Pennsylvania, and for 
years, unaided, kept the Post together by his own personal efforts 
and labors, infusing into it new life, until now it has become one 
of the finest and largest Posts in the order, and to no one is 
it more indebted to-day for its success, than Past Commander 
Ward. He also joined the Union Veteran Legion as member of 
Encampment No. y^ o^ Philadelphia. 

Upon returning from the army after a short service in the 
Quartermasters' Deaprtment at Washington, Colonel Ward re- 
turned to Philadelphia and engaged in the insurance business, 
and for many years was an insurance broker in Philadelphia, until 
1875 when he decided to adopt the profession of dentistry, and 



450 THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT 

graduated in February, 1877, from the Philadelphia Dental Col- 
lege. He at once began the practice of dentistry in Philadelphia, 
where he still continues to practice his profession. 

Was for two years Demonstrator of Prosthetic Dentistry at the 
Philadelphia Dental College, and was Secretary and President of 
the Alumni Society of the College. Also for years as the Secre- 
tary and President of the Odontographic Society of Philadelphia 
and the Philadelphia County Dental Society. He is a member of 
the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution. 

In 1872 he married Mayde H., daughter of John and Sarah 
(Levis) Williams, of Media, Delaware County, Pa., having no 
children. 



INDEX, 



Abbott, Major Henry L., 2S2. 
Abraham, Gunner Francis, 208. 
Achuff, Captain Francis H., 3, 22, 56, 146, 

170. 
Adams, Lieutenant-Colonel, 130. 
Alabama, Thirteenth, 194. 
Allabachs, Colonel Peter H., 141; Brigade, 

141. 
Allen, Captain R. W. P., 3, 17, 22, 41, 105, 

170. 
Ames, General Adelbert, 203, 209, 210, 263. 
Anderson, General Richard H., 98, io6, iii, 

182; Division, 164, 191, 400, 403. 
Anderson, General Geo. B., iii. 
Anderson, General George T., Brigade, 242, 
Anderson, Major, 277, 278. 
Anderson, Private John, jj. 
Anderson, Private John R., 112, 277. 
Arbuckle. Samuel W., 112, 419. 
Armistead, General Lewis A., 200, 201, 

203, 207, 404. 
Armstrong", Private Samuel K., 277. 

Baile, Corporal Francis, 112. 
Baker, General Edward D., i, 2, 5, 7, 10, 
II, 12, 13, 15, 21, 122, 158; Brigade, 

17- 
Banes, Colonel Charles H., 10, 17, 37, 44, 

51, 95, 119, 198, 207, 208, 229, 238, 

239, 247, 266, 271. 
Banister, Lieutenant Joseph T., 3, 74. 
PSanks. General N. P., 25, 28, 86, 95; 

Corps, 76, 86, 95. 
Barclay, Private Robert, 146. 
Barlow, General F. C, 106, 237, 248, 260, 

265, 266, 276, 278, 293, 294 ; Division, 

184, 241, 245, 248, 259, 260, 264, 278, 

286, 288. 
Barnes, General James, Division, 190. 
Barnes, Sergeant Jonathan C, 41, 231. 
Bartleson. Captain Lewis, 3, 22. 
Baxter, Colonel D. W. C, 2, 38, 80, 118. 

127, 143, 158, 159, 206, 222. 
Baxter, Colonel Harry, 130, 282: Brigade, 

183. 
Baxter's Brigade, 183. 
Bayard's Cavalry, 129. 
Bean. Colonel, 183. 
Beaureguard, General G. T., 262. 
Beckley. Private Joshua, 112. 
Bell, Corporal William, 205. 
Berry's Division, General Hiram G., 165, 166. 
Biggs, Lieutenant James C, 150, 170. 
Binker, Private James, 204. 
Birney, General D. B., 129, 189, 190, 237, 

241, 242, 243, 248, 257, 258, 259, 275, 

276, 277, 278, 280, 281, 288; Division, 
136, 240, 241, 242, 245, 246, 248, 253, 
254, 257. 264, 274. 
Blackburn. Private William, 79. 
Blair, Sergeant Henry P., 252. 
Blanc, Private Louis. 205. 
Blenker, General Lewis. 32; Division, 38. 
Bliss, Colonel Z. K.. 287. 
Bobbs, Private John. 79. 
Bogan, Private George. 205. 
Brady, Private Wm. H., 204. 
Breitenbach, Captain John R., 3, 179, 205, 
216, 217, 275. 280. 407. 



Brooke, Colonel John R., 64, 65, 67. 

Brooks, General W. T. H., io6, 263. 

Broughton, Lieutenant, 196. 

Brown, John, 26. 

Brown, Private William, 21. 

Bryan, Lieutenant Wm., 3, 112, 423. 

Brvant, William Cullen, 78, 125, 157, 168, 

"272, 281. 
Buford. General John, 182, 183. 
Burial Association, 21. 

Burns, General Wm. W., 3. 15, 22, 38, 52, 
53. 54, 55, 57, 5^, 62, 63, 64, 67, 
68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 80, 
85, 95. 96, 118, 121, 128, 158, 388, 389, 
390; Brigade, 31, 69, 70, 75, 76, 77, 
78, 121; Division, 129. 
Burnside, General A. E., 22, 95, no, 123 
124, 127, 128, 130, 147, 148, 151, 152, 
155. 156. 158, 164, 242, 250, 258, 281, 
287; Corps, 95, 147, 254, 259, 260, 
264, 287. 
Butler, General B. I'., 262, 273. 
Butterfield, General Daniel, Corps, 138. 
Battery, Ayers', 6g. 

Bartlett's. 70. 
'■ Branihall's, 78. 
" Brown's, 188, 190, 191, 192, 206, 

211, 400, 404. 
'■ Cooper's, 69. 
" Cowan's, 198, 199, 207. 
Cunningham's, 69. 
Cushing's, 188, 196, 198, 205, 207, 

404. 
De Rv.ssey's. 78 
" Dietrich's, 6g. 
' Franks, 62. 
" Hazzard's. 64, 69, 78, 145. 

'" Keen's. 69. 
King's. 70. 

Kirby's, 52, 53, 54, 55, 64, 70, 73. 
'■ McKnight's, 280, 289. 

Osborn's, 68, 78. 
" Owen's, 70. 

Pettit's. 64, 68, 69, 78, 127. 
" Randall's, 69. 
" Rickett's, 53, 195. 
" Rorty's, 404. 
■' Thompson's, 70. 
" Weidrick's, 195. 
" Wheeler's, 198, 199, 207. 

BIOGRAPHIES. 
General Turner G. Morehead, 428-431. 
Colonel William L. Curry, 432-436. 
Colonel John H. Stover, 437-439. 
General James C. Lynch. 440-447. 
Colonel Jos. R. C. VVard. 444-450. 

Caldwell, General John C, 118, 188; Di- 
vision, 190, 399. 

Cambloss, Quartermaster Harry S., 4. 

Campbell. Private Isaac, 79. 

Campbell. Private Michael. 79. 

Candy's Brigade, Colonel Charles, 197. 

Canning. Private Joseph, 205, 252. 

Carroll, Colonel S. S., 238, 241, 242, 243, 
246, 252, 282; Brigade, 167, 195, 196, 
248. 252. 402. 

Casey, General Silas, Division, 51, 77. 



452 



INDEX 



Casey, Lieutenant Wm. M., 170, 190, 204, 

402. 
Chambers, Sergeant Jos. A., 112. 
Childs, Colonel, iii. 
Clarke, Captain Timothy, 3, 21, 22, 28, 

112, 407, 423. 
Clarke, Private Tustus J., 113. 
Clarke, Adjutant Ralph B., 4. 
Clifford, Private Robert, 205. 
Cobb, General Howell, 100. 
Coffman, Private John, 112. 
Cole, Private Orson C, 112. 
Collins, Private William, 147. 
Coliister, Corporal Robert, 147. 
Collom, Private John B., 15, 140. 
Comfort, Private Wm. H., 79. 
Company A, 1, 3, 8, 26, 49, 56, 59, 67, 79, 
112, 120, 146, 170, 179, 188, 190, 192, 
196, 199, 204, 206, 208, 228, 231, 235, 
237, 239, 252. 392. 394, 395, 399, 401, 
402, 404, 406, 415. 
Company B, 3, 26, 49, 56, 59, 74, 79, 82, 
112, 120, 131, 149, 170, 188, 192, 196, 
199, 204, 205, 206, 208, 237, 252, 284, 
392, 394, 396, 399, 401, 402, 404, 406, 
415- 
Company C, 3, 17, 26, 41, 57, 79, 112, 146, 
170, 174, 194, 205, 231, 237, 252, 395, 
416. 
Company D, 3, 26, 57, 79, 112, 146, 170, 
196, 205, 228, 237, 239. 252, 395, 416. 
Company E, 3, 15, 22, 26, 57, 79, 112, 146, 

170, 205, 237, 395, 416. 
Company F, 3, 21, 22, 28, 79, 112, 192, 
205, 233, 235, 237, 277, 284, 286, 395, 
416. 
Company G, 3, 28, 79, 112, 149, 204, 205, 

237, 252, 395, 416. 
Company H, 3, 18, 22, 57, 67, 79, 112, 131, 
146, 170, 193, 204, 205, 237, 239, 284, 
286, 395, 416. 
Company I, 3, 20, 21, 46, 57, 68, 79, 80, 
112, 170, 174, 196, 204, 205, 237, 252, 
275, 395, 400, 416. 
Company K, 2, 3, 21, 58, 79, 80, 113, 146, 

170, 205, 2,57. 284. 286, 416. 
Coons, Colonel John, 282. 
Conklin, Sergeant Albert J., 146. 
Conner, Colonel Selden, 282. 
Cook, Captain Harry, 206, 399. 
Connelly, John, 112. 

Corps, First, 31, 95, 114, 127, 129, 157, 
162, 167, 182, 183, 184, 185, 190, 
204, 398. 
Second, 31, 32, 37, 38, 75, 95, 114, 127, 
136, 140, 141, 155, 157, 167, 174, 
175, 187, 198, 221, 222, 224, 233, 
237, 238, 239, 246, 266, 272, 277, 
281, 286, 288, 289, 291, 293, 294, 
399, 401, 403. 
Third, 31, 34, 37, 95, 127, 129, 135, 

157, 163, T82, 187, 189, 224. 
Fourth, 31, 95, 1 14. 

Fifth, 31, 50, 95, 114, 127, 135, 157, 
162, 167, 187, 224, 225, 227, 237, 
239, 245, 246, 259, 260, 264, 275, 
277, 279, 291, 292, 293. 
Sixth, 50, 95, 114, 127, 129, 157, 163, 
187, 198, 220, 224, 229, 237, 239, 
241, 247, 250, 251, 252, 254, 258, 
259, 260, 262, 263, 264, 270, 27s, 
276, 280, 281, 292, 293, 294. 
Ninth, 75, 95, 114, :2i, 127, 128, 129, 

141, 264. 
Tenth, 263, 288. 



Corps, Eleventh, 95. 155, 157, 162, 165, 182^ 
183, 184, 185, 196, 203, 204, 206,. 
209, 210, 401. 
Twelfth, 95, 114, 157, 162, 184, 185, 

187, 196. 
Eighteenth, 263, 264, 273. 
Twenty-Fourth, 291, 292, 294. 

Corcoran Legion, 

Corcoran General Michael, 59. 

Corkhill Rev., 156, 157 . 

Coste, Lieutenant Michael, 223. 

Coster's Brigade, Colonel Chas. R., 185. 

Couch, General D. N., 44, 127, 140, 141, 
143, 152, 155, 157, 162, 167, 168, 
280; Division, 51, 53, 95; Corps, — . 

Crandle, Private Job, 146. 

Crawford, General S. W., iii, 190; Divis- 
ion, 

Creamer, Sergeant Robert F., 147. 

Crewe, Sergeant Charles H., 112, 204. 

Crossdale, Colonel Samuel, iii. 

Curry, Lieutenant-Colonel William L., i, 
4, 21, 26, 58, 7y, 96, 118, 146, 147, 
150, 170, 188, 191, 192,, 193, 195, 208, 
210, 211, 212, 216, 217, 219, 223, 226, 
227, 245, 247, 251, 282, 389, 391, 397, 
400, 402, 407 (Report, 208, 209, 210). 

Gushing, Lieutenant A. H., 198, 199, 200, 
208. 

Cutler, General Lysander, Division, 246. 

Custis, Wm., 49. 

Custer's Brigade, 201. 

Curtis, Major Sylvanus W., 282. 

D.ARRAH, Corporal Henry, 113. 

Dana, General N. J. T., 74, 102, 103, 104, 
hi; Brigade, 47, 54, 117. 

Daud, Private Thomas, 112. 

Davis, Lieutenant. 196. 

Davis, Colonel William, 282, 284, 286, 290. 

Dawson, T. R., 235. 

Delaware, First, 190, 401. 

De Russey's Division, 284. 

Devlin, Private James, 205. 

Devens, General Charles, 13, 183, 263. 

Devereaux. Major John, 2, 423. 

Devereaux, Colonel Arthur F., 226, 405. 

DeWitt, Major James M., 2. 

Dillsneider. Private Martin, 205. 

Dibble, Private William A., 112. 

Diemer, Private Henry, 112. 

Donahue. Private John, 146. 

Dole, General Geo., 184. 

Doubleday, General A., loi, 162, 182, 183, 

184, 185, 186, 190, 192, 202; Division, 
— ; Corps, — . 

Douglass, Colonel M., in. 

Doyle. Captain William, 3. 

Dwight. Colonel William, iii. 

Dwinelle, Surgeon Justin, 2, 4, 56, 89, 

154. 194- 
Dove, Corporal John S.. 204. 
Duncan, Private Wm. H., 205. 
Early. General J. A., 104, 164, 182, 184, 

185, 195. 

Egan. General Thomas W., 290. 

Egbert. Lieutenant Geo. T., 3. 

Ehler, Private Benjamin, 112. 

Ernbler. Captain A. H., 208, 252. 

Etler. Private John S., 112. 

Ewell, General Richard S., 169, 182, 184, 

195, 255, 293, 401. 
Excelsior Brigade, 70. 71, 74. 
Eva. Private James H., 205. 
Fairchild, Private W. W., 58. 



INDEX 



45c 



Farr, Captain Wm. V., 3, 146, 215, 233, 
280. 

Ferrero, General Edward, 287. 

Fesmire, Private John, 146. 

Field, General Clias. W., Division, 242. 

Finiple, Captain Theo. J., 3, 80, 170. 

Fitzinger, Corporal Samuel, 204. 

Foliet, Lieutenant Eugene, 3, 46. 

Foche, Corporal Jacob, 205. 

Ford, Captain Robert H., 3, 55, 56, 152, 
153, 154, 193, 194, 196, 199, 203, 20s, 
208, 210, 211, 220, 396, 397, 400, 401, 
402, 404, 405, 406, 407. 

Foy, Sergeant James J., 105. 

Franklin, General Wm., 49, 50, 51, 66, 67, 
70, 76, 95, 127, 129, 13s, 136; Division, 
— ; Corps, 69, 106, lis; Grand Divis- 
ion, 135, 148, 155. 

Fremont, General John C, 38, 86. 

French, General Wm. H., 102, 106, 108, 
118, 127, 137, 138, 143, 167; Brigade, 
61; Division, 136, 140, 141, 143. 

Frost, Captain Martin C, 3, 58, 407. 

Fry, General B. D., 194, 195. 

Fuger, Sergeant Frederick, 208. 

Fulton, Private James, 79. 

Fuller, Private Andrew J., 146. 

G.AGE, Lieutenant Joshua A., 170, 205, 252, 
407. 

Gallagher, Lieutenant John PL, 

Garnett, General Richard B., 199, 201, 203. 

Garland, General Samuel, Jr., 99, 100. 

Gayle, Colonel B. B., 100. 

Geary, General John W., Regiment, 26; 
Division, 187, 195, 196, 197. 

Georgia, Twenty-First, 225; Twenty- 
Seventh. Ill, 116; Forty-Seventh, 277; 
Forty-Eighth, 193, 209, 400, 401. 

Getty, General Geo. W., 240, 241; Division, 
141, 240, 241. 

Gibbon, General John, 136, 163, 182, 187, 
188, 203, 205, 234, 236, 237, 241, 242, 
243, 249, 252, 264, 267, 268, 274, 275, 
278, 2S0, 281, 284, 289, 291, 292, 390, 
392; Division, 136, 167, 203, 243, 245, 
246, 248, 260, 274, 277, 278, 290, 399, 
404. 

Gibson, Colonel William, 193, 194, 209, 
211, 392, 400. 

Glass, Private Robert, 147. 

Gorman, General Willis A., 53, 102, 103, 
104, 118, 122; Brigade, 54. 

Grant, General U. S., 213, 216, 235, 236, 
237, 239, 25s, 257, 259, 261, 266, 271, 
272, 273, 274, 281, 288, 294, 295. 

Grant, General L. A., 250. 

Green, Private John, 43. 

Green, John, 146. 

Greene's Brigade, General Geo. S., 196. 

Gregg's Division, General D. McM., 201, 
239. 288. 

Gregg, Colonel Maxay, iii. 

Griffin's Division, General Charles, 240, 260, 
275, 292. 

Grogan, Sergeant Richard, 147. 

Hague, Private Henry, 205. 

Hagy, Lieutenant Wm. A., 150, 170. 

Hall, Colonel N. A., 127, i"88, 200, 202, 

207, 404; Brigade, 130, 131, 140, 191, 

200. 
Hall, Sergeant James IP, 252. 
Halleck, General Henry W., 85, 93, 94, 

284. 
Hallowell, Captain Paul J., 3, 170, 415. 



Hallowell, Corjioral .John, 205. 
Hampton, General Wade, 54; Brigade, 201. 
Hampton Legion, 55, 56. 
Hancock, General W. S., 38, 45, 106, 127, 
137, 138, 140, 141, 143, 152, i74> 175. 

181, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 193, 
195, 202, 203, 234, 237, 238, 240, 241, 
242, 243, 245, 250, 257, 259, 260, 274, 
275, 280, 281, 288, 289, 290, 291, 390, 
392, 398, 414; B,rigade, — ; Division, 
ii9> i37> 141; Corps, 240, 257, 261. 

Hanlen, Private Edward, 205. 

Hamilton, General, 37. 

Harding, Private Wickham, 79. 

Harlan, Private George, 205. 

Harrington, Private Ilenry, 252. 

Harris, Chaplain William, 4, 19, 22, 57, 

119, 120, 123, 157. 
Harrow, General William, 182, 188, 404. 
Hartman, Private Wentzell, 146. 
Hart, Corporal Thomas, 112. 
Harvey, Corporal Isaac N., 147. 
Hartranft, Colonel John F., iii. 
Haskell, Colonel Frank A.. 267, 282. 
Hassett, Lieutenant John F., 131, 146, 170. 
Hatton, (jeneral Robert, 54. 
Hayburn, Corporal Samuel, 204. 
Hale, Private John F., 147. 
Hays, General Alexander, 188, 191, 193, 

197. 2:1,7. 399, 402; Division, 197, 403. 
Hays, Colonel Geo. S. Brigade, 70, 71. 
Hays, General William, 292, 399. 
Heintzleman, General S. P., 31, 37, 44, 49, 

66, 67, 69, 77, 95; Corps, 34, 51, 60. 
Heite, Private Charles, 205. 
Hesser, Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore, 2, 

226. 
Henry Guards, 285. 
Heth, General Henry, Division, 182, 183, 

185. 
Hibbs, Lieutenant Samuel C, 4, 153. 
Hickman, Sergeant Charles E., 106, 112, 

407. 
Hickok, Sergeant Charles, 244, 407. 
Hider, Private Joshua M., 204. 
Hill, General A. P., 61, 63, 98, 100, 169, 

182, 184, 190, 278, 289; Division, 99, 
iii; Corps, 182, 251. 

Hill, General D. H., 61, 63, 6g, 98, loi, 
106, 114, 126. 

Hill, Corporal Wm. H., 228. 

Hilt, Private Franklin W., 146. 

Hinks, Colonel Edwin W., 11 1. 

Holcomb, Corporal E. J., 112, 252. 

Holcomb, Private Albert, 57, 205. 

Hood, General John B., 98, loi, 108, 182, 
400. 

Hooker, General Joseph, 44, 45, 70, 77, 
83, 95, 99, 100, loi, 102, 107, III, 113, 
116, 123, 124, 127, 145, 156, 157, 158, 
160, 398; Division, 51, 58, 69, 74, 
162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 169, 175, 
177- 183, 206; Corps, loi, 107; Grand 
Division, 135, 148, 155. 

Holt, Private Joseph. 147. 

Howland, Private Iliram, 146. 

Houghton, Corporal John, 277, 415. 

Howard. General O. O., 57. 85, 87, 9.5. 
102. 103, 104, io6,~ 108, 109, 117, 118, 
122, 127, 130, 136, 140, 141, 143, I44i 
146. 151, 152, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 
168, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 195, 
196, 206, 209, 398, 401, 402, 423; 
Brigade. — ; Division, 142, 143; Corps, 
162, 166, 168, 186. 



454 



INDEX 



Hewlett, Private William, 112. 

Howe's Division, General A. P., 164. 

Huey, Lieutenant James T., 3. 

Hughes, Lieutenant Wm. A., 170. 

Humphreys, General A. A., 138, 139, 14'. 
142, 14s, 190, 191, 241, 242, 244, 248, 
277, 278, 282, 283, 286, 291, 292, 293, 
294; Division, 138, 187, 190; Corps, 
292, 293. 

Hunt, General Henry J., 95, 129, 198. 

Hutchinson, Adjutant S. P., 196. 



Imboden, General John D., 201. 
Irvin, Colonel W. H., 106. 
Irving, Sergeant Edward M., 208. 
Irvin, Lieutenant John, 3, 196, 205, 286, 
396, 397. 401. 415- 

Jackson, General Thomas J. (Stonewall), 
31, 60, 62, 63, 86, 87, 98, 99, 100, 104, 
108, 125, 126, 165, 166. 

Jacob, Prof., 202. 

James, Sergeant, Samuel T., 204. 

Johnston General Jos. E., 43, 295. 

Johnson, General Edward, 182, 195, 197, 
251; Division, 195, 197. 

Johnson, Governor J. W., 194. 

Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel W. G., 63, 64, 

65. 
Jones, Captain Wm. N., 3, 146, 415. 
Jones, (leneral D. R., 98. 
Jones, General J. R., 98, iii, 113. 
Josephs, Gustavus, 176. 
Jobes, Captain, 402. 

Kane, General Thos. L., 197. 

Kearney, General Philip, 44, 45, 57, 76, 

157; Division, 51, 69, 70. 
Kearney, Private John O., 204. 
Kelly, Captain, 249, 252. 
Kelly, Private Martin, 205. 
Kelton, Colonel John C, 94. 
Kendall, Private Pembroke S., 112. 
Kephart, Private William, 205. 
Keenan, Major Peter, 165. 
Keiffer, Captain, 12. 
Kemper. General James L., 201, 203. 
Keyes, General E. D., 31, 37, 49; Corps, 50, 

51, 52, 60. 
Kirby, Captain Edmund, 53. 
Kilpatrick, General Judson, i ; Division, 

217. 
King, Private Robert M., 79. 
Kingsbury, Colonel Henry W., iii. 

Landon, Private Frank, 147. 

Lawton, General A. R., 98, iii. 

Ledlie, General, 287. 

Lee, General Robert E., 62, 63, 96, 97, 
98 loo, 113, 114, 115, 124, 126, 139, 
136, 162, 167, 169, 17s, 182, 184, 19s, 
201, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 237, 239, 
240, 255, 257, 259, 263, 266, 271, 272, 
273, 289, 290, 292, 293, 294, 295, 398, 
399, 400, 401, 402, 403. 

Lee, General Fitz-IIugh, Brigade, 201. 

Lee, Colonel Wm. R., 13. 

Lee, Private Philip McD., 147. 

Lee, Private John H., 147. 

Leggett, Private William, 112. 

Leidy, Assistant Surgeon Philip, 4. 

Liddell, Colonel P. F.. iii. 



Lincoln, President Abraham, i, 11, 31, 38, 
80, 86, 94, 118, 152, 160, 235. 

Little, Private Absolam, 147. 

Livingood, Private Samuel, 112. 

Lott, Corijoral Wm. H., 205. 

Lindley, Private Denton G., 261. 

Lockerman, Sergeant Theo. L., 41. 

Lockhart, Captain John, 269. 

Long, Private David, 146. 

Longstreet General James, 45, 61, 63, 69, 
87, 98, 100, 126, 169, 182, 195, 202, 
242, 294; Division, 44; Corps, 263. 

Louisiana Tigers, 195. 

Luke, Private Wm. M., 112. 

Lukens, Private Charles, 146, 277. 

Lynch, Captain James C, 3, 104, 170, 188, 
191. 193. 199) 200, 203, 205, 206, 210, 
212, 223, 243, 284, 286, 289, 386, 388, 
390, 391. 394, 395. 399> 404- 

Lynch, Captain John W., 3, 170, 194, 195, 
392, 415- 

Lucke, Corporal Frederick, 205. 

Luke, Private George, 205. 

McBride, Private John, 113. 

McCall, General Geo. A., 60, 70, yy, 78; 
Division, 61, 69, 77, 125. 

McCann, Private Francis, 113. 

McClellan, General George B., 5, 14, 31, 
36, 57, 38, 55. 60, 61, 63, 65, 72, 76, 
77, 78, 80, 8s, 86, 87, 93, 94, 96, 97, 
113, 114, 115, 116, 118, 123, 124, 125, 
126, 151, 158, 424; Army, 87. 

McDowell, General Irwin B., 31, 95, 125, 
397; Corps, 86, 87. 

McGinn, Private Owen, 113. 

McGowan, General Samuel, 251. 

McGreal, Private Patrick, 205. 

McGuffin, Private Hugh, 113. 

McKee, Private Francis, 228. 

McKeen, General Henry B., 265, 266, 267, 
282; Brigade, 265. 

McLaws, General Lafayette, 98, 103, 104, 
1S2, 400. 

Mcintosh, Colonel John B., 201; Brigade, 
201. 

McLaughlin, Private John, 112. 

McLean, Assistant Surgeon H. D., 150, 
179. 415- 

McNeal, Corporal William, 105, 112. 

McNeill, Colonel Hugh W., 111. 

McNally, Private Peter, 112. 

McVey, Private John, 113. 

McPherson, John, 205. 

McMahon. Colonel James P., 282. 

Macy, Colonel George W., 282, 288. 

Magruder, General J. B., 37, 44, 53; Di- 
vision, 78. 

Mahone, General William, 290, 291, 402. 

Maloney, Private James, 147. 

Manley, Private Wm. H., 269. 

Mansfield, General J. R. F., 95, loi, 102, 
hi; Corps, loi, 107, 113. 

Mansfield, Private John, 82. 

Marshall, Sergeant James B., 204. 

Markoe, Colonel John, 9, 12, 13, 127, 143, 
145- 

Martin, Private William, 252. 

Mason, Private George G., 112. 

Masterson, Private John, 112. 

Massachusetts Volunteers, Fifteenth, 10, 
38, 40, 106, 190, 281; Nineteenth, 38, 
54, 70, 71, 77, 404, 405; Twentieth, 10, 
38, 40, so. 54. 70. 

May, Lieutenant William, 146, 170. 



INDEX 



455 



Meade, General George G., 71, 99, loi, 
109, 136, 157, 162, 167, 168, 177, 181, 
182, 183, 184, 185, 187, 188, 189, 197, 
198, 221, 222, 226, 233, 234, 253, 260, 
274, 278, 281, 287, 293, 294, 398, 399, 
400, 405, 424; Brigade, 70; Division, 
135- 136; Corps, 162. 

Meagher, General Thomjis, 118; Brigade, 
61, 137- 

Michigan Volunteers, Seventh, 38, 40, 54, 
70, 130. 

Micou, Wm. H., 195. 

Miles, Colonel Dixon S,, 99. 

Miles, General Nelson A., 137, 289, 292, 
293; Division, 289, 292. 

Miller, G. J. R., 415- 

Miller, Private Tames, 112. 

Mills, Private Abbott A., 147. 

Miller, Lieutenant Jacob M., 170. 

Milne, Lieutenant Joseph, 208. 

Milroy, General Robert IL, 169. 

Minnesota Volunteers, First, 38, 6y, 68, 7z> 
77, 88, 130, 396, 

Mississippi Volunteers, Sixteenth, 191. 

Moore, Lieutenant Marine C, 58. 

Montenay, Private John, 112. 

Moran, Lieutenant, 58. 

Morehead, Colonel Turner G., i, S> 21, 
22, 25, 28, 38, 40, 52, 73, 79, 105, 120, 
127, 130, 131, 132, 143, 147, 148, 150, 
151, 154, 169, 223, 234, 389, 395, 423; 
Report, 73, 74, 149, 150. 

Moore, Private Patrick, 205. 

Moore, Private George, 205. 

Morris, Lieutenant, 35, 36. 

Morris, Private Geo. W., 112, 204. 

Morell, General George W., 50. 

Mott, General Grishom, 237, 248, 278, 293; 
Division, 240, 241, 242, 248, 252, 276, 
278, 287, 2S8. 292. 

Muir, Sergeant Wm. H., 252. 

Murphy, Colonel John K., 7, 59. 

Murphy, Corporal Frederick, 228. 

Murjihy. Colonel Matthew, 283. 

Muysenberg, Major T. A., 210. 

Myers, Corporal Wm. H., 228, 231. 

Murray, Private William, 204. 

Murphy, John B., 204. 

Murphj', Sergeant Patrick, 205. 

Minjihy, Corporal James, 205. 

Naglee, General H. M., Brigade, 

Nathans, Private Simon, 252. 

Neil, General Thos. H., Division, 262, 263, 

r . -75-, 

Neiler, .Sergeant WiTi. H., 112, 146, 415. 
Neville, Lieutenant Harry, 170. 
Newman, Captain .Samuel H., 3, 81. 
Newton, Colonel J. M., iii. 
New Jersey Volunteers, Twelfth, 191, 193, 

402. 
Newell, Private Albert, 146, 205. 
New York Volunteers : 

Thirty-Fourth, 40, 51, 96. 

Thirty-Seventh, 64. 

Forty-.Second, 38, 54, 70, 71, 404. 

Fifty-First, 1 1 1. 

Fifty-Ninth, 262. 

Sixty-Third, 54. ' 

Seventy-First, 64. 

Eighty-.'^econd, ^8, 190, 194, 209, 400. 

Eighty-Eighth, 68. 

One Hundred and Fifty- .Second, 234, 
235. 237. 276, 279. 

One Hundred and I'^ifty-Fifth, 254. 



New York Volunteers: 

One Hundred and Sixty-Fourth, 254. 

One Hundred and Seventieth, 254. 
Nichols, Private Theo., 112. 
North Carolina Volunteers, Fourth, 11 1; 

Twenty-Fourth, 225; Second Cavalry, 

225. 
Norval, Major, 274. 

O'Brien, Major, 276. 

O'Neill, Private Edward, 147. 

O'Leary, Private James, 147. 

O'Donnell, Private Thomas, 146. 

O'Kane, Lieutenant-Colonel Dennis, 2, 127, 

143- 
Ord, General O. E. C, 291. 
Osborne, Major Thomas W., 196. 
Otter, Captain, 12. 
Otter, Private Richard, 146. 
Owen, General Joshua T., 2, 38, 70, 104, 

108, :2o, 122, 127, 130, 13T, 137, 138, 

139, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 160, 163, 
164, 178, 223, 234, 238, 241, 242, 249, 
261, 265, 266, 269, 280, 390; Brigade, 
141, 145, 248, 265. 

Outen, Private John H., 112. 

P.\DDicK, Private Lewis S., 113. 

Painter, Private John H., 146. 

Palfrey, Colonel F. W., 108, 109, no, 124, 

140, 141, 148. 
Parrish, Major A. R., 2. 
Parker, Sergeant Joseph D., 147. 
Pennsylvania Volunteers: 

Eighth Cavalry, 165. 

Nineteenth, 2. 

Twenty-Second, i. 

Twenty-Fourth, 2. 

Twenty-Eighth, 26. 

Twenty-Ninth, 7. 

Thirty-Seventh, 64. 

Forty-Eighth, 287. 

Fifty-First, in. 

Fifty-Third, 64. 

Fifty-.Seventh, 64. 

Sixty-Ninth, 2, 10, 43, 53, 54, 55, 58, 
68, 70, yz, 77, 84, 89, 102, 104, 120, 
127, 130, 137, 143, 144. 145, 149. 
t(>3< '^73> i74t 178, 188, 190, 191, 
196,' 199, 200, 206, 207, 225, 226, 
228, 234, 235, 254, 271, 276, 279, 
284, 286, 290, 399, 400, 402, 403, 
404, 421. 

Seventy-First, i, 2, 8, 10, 12, 14, 40, 
47. 53. 54. 55. 58, 63, 64, 65, 68, 70, 
71, 96, 102, 109, 127, 137, 143, 145. 
147, 163,. 164, 173, 174, 196, 198, 
199, 200, 206, 207, 216, 219, 226, 
228, 23s, 242, 271, 279, 395, 399. 
402, 404, 425. 

Seventy-Second. 2, 7, 10, 38, 42, 53, 
54, 55, 67, 68, 70, 71, 73, 76, 77, 
80, 84, 89, 102, 105, 118, 127, 131, 
137, 149, 152, 158, 163, 172, 173, 
174, 191, 192, 196, 197, 199, 200, 
203, 206, 207, 211, 214, 223, 226, 
228, 235, 242, 271, 276, 277, 279. 
284, 285, 396, 399, 403, 404. 405. 
425. 

One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh, 
149. 

One Plundred and Eighty-Third, 276, 
284. 286, 289. 

One Hundred and Eighty-Fourth, 235, 
265, 279. 



456 



INDEX 



Pennsylvania Reserves, log, 261, 397. | 

Pendleton, General W. N., 98. 

Pender, General William 1)., 182, 183, 185, 

193, 403. 
Pettigrew, General J. J., 54, 403. 
Philadelphia ]>rigade, 95, 103, 108, 140, 

141, 142, 143, 145, 222, 227, 234. 266, 

271, 278, 279, 397, 398, 399, 401, 402, 

403, 405, 424. 
Pickett, General Geo. E., 182, 201, 202, 

203, 397, 403, 404; Division, 199, 200, 

201, 202. 
Phillips, Sergeant James M., 147. 
Pierce, General Francis E.. 282. 
Pleasanton, General Alfred, 95, 165, 166, 

169, 217. 
Pleasants, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry, 287. 
Pleis, Adjutant Ferd'n M., 4, 21, 55, 74, 

103, 120, 122, 146, 149, 154, 169, 204, 

210, 211, 407. 
Polen, Private William D., 57. 
Pope, General John, 85, 86, 87, 89, 93. 123, 

124; Army, S';, 86, 87, 93. 
Porter, Colonel Peter A., 282. 
Porter, General Fitz John, 37, 41, 42, 49, 

SO, 51, 58, 61, 76, 77. 95; Corps, 63. 

115, 120. 
Posey, General Carnot, 401; Brigade, rgo, 

191, 192, 401, 402. 
Potter, Colonel Robert B., iii. 
Potter, Major Wm. E., 402. 
Poust, Private Henry, 1:2. 
Pyewell. Corporal Jacob, T47. 
Pratt, Private Wellington E., 147. 
Powers, Private Edvi-ard, 205. 

Rambo, Private Wm. H., 205. 

Ray, Private William, 204. 

Ramsey, 282. 

Rawnsby, Private Frank, 112. 

RadcliiT, Sergeant Jose])h N., 22, 130. 

Reed, Lieutenant Joseph, 3. 

Reed, Private John, 57. 

Reno, General Jesse L.. 95, 99, 100. 

Reynolds, Private James C., 205. 

Reynolds, General John T., 157, 162, 163, 

167, 168, 181, 182, 183, 186, 398, 414: 

Corps, 166. 
Rhodes, Corporal Nathaniel, 228. 
Rice, Private Jacob, 112. 
Rich, Private Isaac H., 147, 204. 
Rich, Captain Davis J., 51. 
Richardson, General Isaac B., 32, ^y. 102, 

106, iii; Division, 32, 44, 55, 58, 60, 

64, 65, 69. 
Ripley, Colonel Roswell S., iii. 
Ricketts, General James B., loi, 107. 
Ritner, Rev. I. Newton, 393. 
Ritter, Private Wilson, 252. 
Robinson, Private Charles, 146. 
Robinson, General lohn C., Division, 1S3, 

184. 185. 
Rodebaugh, Private Ellwood, 112. 
Rodes, General Robert E., iii, 182. 184, 

185. 
Rodman, General I. P., iii. 
Rodman's Division, iio. 
Roop, Jacob, 4. 
Rose, Lieutenant Wm. B., 105, 112, 170, 

193, 280, 390, 415. 
Russell. General David A., Division, 260. 
Rutherford, Lieutenant Horace B., 170. 
Ryan, Private Thomas, 147. 
Rubrigbt, Corporal Chas. A., 192. 
Roll of Dead, 377-379. 



Roster, l-'ield and Staff, 298, 299. 
Regimental Band, 300. 
Field and Staff of Battalion, 301, 302. 
Company A, 303-309. 
Comiiany B, 310-315. 
Comi)any C, 316-322. 
Comiiany I), 323-329. 
Company E, 330-334. 
Company F, 335-345- 
Company G, 346-349- 
Company II, 350-359. 
Company I, 360-365. 
Company K, 366-375. 

ScHEiK, Corporal Peter, 228. 

Sanders, Sergeant Richard, 112. 

Schank. Sergeant A. C, 112, 419. 

Schaer, Corporal Theodore, 112. 

Schaefer. Corporal Francis A., 146. 

Schimmelpfinnig, General Alex.. Division, 
184. 

Schurz, General Carl, 184. 

Schwartz, Captain Charles S., 170, 190, 
204 ,210, 250, 251, 402, 407. 

Sculten. Private Patrick, 112. 

Seaman, Private Thomas A., 57. 

Seabury, Captain, 163, 242. 

Sedgwick, General John, 28, 31, ^y. 38 
51, 5^, 65, 67, 69, 74, 75, 76, 77, 80 
87, 88, loi, 102, 103, 107, 108, III 
117, 157, 162, 163, 164, 165, 168, 169 
187; ^37' 247, 280, 389, 422; Division 
24, 44, 64, 6s, 75, 76, 77, 104, 107, 
108, III. 160, 397; Corps, 167, 240. 

Semmes. General Paul J., 100. 

Seymour, General Truman, Brigade, 70. 

Sharpley, Private Wm., 112. 

Shetzline, Private John, 204. 

Shave, Private Patrick, 79. 

Sheak, Private Fred'k, 79. 

Sheridan, General Philip II., 292, 293. 

Sickles, General Daniel E., 70, 129, 157 
163, 166, 167, 168, 187, 189, igo, 192 
195; Brigade 74; Corps, 162, 165. 

Slavin, Private Hugh, 204. 

Sigel. General Benj., 86, 95, 155. 

Sloanaker, Lieutenant Benj. F., 57. 105 
130, 146, 170, 407. 

Slocum, General H. W., 50, 99, 100, 157 
162, 167, 168. 184, 187; Corps, 162. 

Smith. General W. F., 8, 44, 58, 262, 263 
Division, 50; Corns, 264, 273. 

Smith, Sergeant J. W. D., 252. 

Smith, Lieutenant Joseph, 36. 

.Smith, Private Geo. S., 112. 

.Smith, Private Wm. II., 277. 

-Smith. Lieutenant Wm. H., 170, 191, 204 
397. 407. 

Smith, Corporal S. Macy, 249, 387, 389. 

Smith, Colonel R. Penn, 196, 207. 

-Smyth, General Thos. A.. 288, 290, 291 
294; Brigade, 259, 265. 290; Division 
291. 

-Snead, Captain, 193. 

Soars, Private Stephen, 112. 

Sones, Private Wesley, 147. 

Soutli Carolina Volunteers, First, 251. 

Spencer. Private Miller, 205. 

Silencer. Private Tames W., 112. 

.S]iencer, Private Henry H., 146. 

Sparks. Captain, 190, 401. 

S])aulding, Private Jos. W., 146. 

-Sperry, Captain John J., i, 3, 8, 188, 190 
191, T99, 200, 203, 204, 206, 2X0, 235 
399, 405, 407- 



INDEX 



457 



Stainrook, Private Henry A., 113. 

Staar, Private Anthony, 204. 

Stannard, General Geo. J., 200, 404; Pirig- 
ade, 202. 

Starke, General Wm. E., 104, iii. 

Steel, Adjutant John A., 3, 112, 146, 170, 
210. 

Steinmetz, Corporal Wni. A., 112, 204. 

Steinwehr, General Adolph, Division, 184, 
185. 

Sterling, Private Hector, 112. 

Stevenson, General Thos. G., Division, 242. 

Stevenson, John, 79. 

Stewart, Genera! Geo. H., 248, 251. 

Stone, General Charles P., 7, 12, 13, 14. 

Stonenian, General George, 44, 61, 157. 

Stokes, Quartermaster Wyndham H., 3. 

Stover, Major John H., 2, 4, 21, 22, 28, 49, 
59, 67, 68, 74, 150, 209, 210, 215, 224, 
232, 235, 265, 389. 

Strange, Colonel J. P.., 100. 

Strickler, Private Samuel, 146. 

Stopper, Frederick, 4. 

Stroup, Corporal Thos. M., 112. 

Strauss, Private Jacob, 205. 

Strohm, Sergeant Joseph J. B., 146, 204. 

Stuart, General J. E. B., 28, 98, 140, 166, 
167, 169, 174, 175, 182, 201. 

Sturgis, General Samuel B., Division, iii, 
MI. 

Sullivan, Musician Frank, 18. 

Sully, General Alfred, 54, 88, 127, 154. 

Sumner, General Edwin V., 31, 32, 51, 52, 
53- 54, 55. 58. 63, 6s, 66, 69, 70, 75, 
77, 78, 80, 95, loi, 102, 104, 107, 108, 
109, iio, 118, 127, 128, 136, 147, 151, 
152, 156, 160, 280, 389, 423; Corps, 52, 
61, 85, 234; Grand Division, 127, 135, 
142, 148. 

Swinton, William, 107, 108, 114, 140, 162. 

Sykes, General George, 145, 187, 197: Brig- 
ade, 50; Division, 145; Corps, 190. 

Supplee, Captain, 200, 399. 

Tapp, Corporal Isaac B., 228. 

Taylor, Sergeant Joseph J., 105, 112. 

Taylor, Corporal Stephen, 105. 

Taylor, Colonel, 1 1 ■•. 

Teague, Sergeant Edward, 228. 

Terry, General Alfred, 288. 

Tew, Colonel C. C, 11 1. 

Thompson, James, 393, 415. 

Thompson, Private Thomas J., 204. 

Thomas, Colonel Hamjiton I., 405. 

Tobin, Private Terrence, 252. 

Toombs, General R., l^ivision, iio, iii. 

Townsend, General E. D., 94. 

Townsend, Captain Salathiel R., 3, 170, 
267, 407. 

Townsend, Private Wm. S., 112. 

Tyler, Captain L. D. C, 3, 105, 170, 277, 
278, 280, 415. 

Tyler, General Erastus B., 142, 282; Brig- 
ade, 138, 141; Division, 255. 

Tyler, President, 49. 

Trexler, Private James, 146. 

Turner, John S., 231. 



Tyler, General Robert O., 266, 267; Brig- 
ade, 265, 266. 

Upjohn, Private George, 146. 
United States Infantry, Second, 149. 

\'aughan. Captain Joseph J., 3, 81. 
\'anzant. Surgeon Charles, 12. 
Veil, Orderly, 183. 

W.^DSWORTH, General James S., T82; Di- 
vision, 186, 241. 

Wagner, Corporal William E., 146, 250. 

Walker, General J. G., 98, 108, 423. 

Walton, Corporal David G., 112, 146, 204. 

Waldron, Private Geo. W., 112, 204. 

Ward, General J. H. H., Brigade, 242. 

Ward, Corporal Thomas, 112, 205. 

Ward, Private Robert W., 113. 

Warren, General G. K., 190, 226, 237, 239, 
240, 245, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 264, 
272, 280, 288, 292; Corps, 241, 245, 
264, 292. 

Washington, General, 49, 121. 

Waugh, Musician Fred'k A., 4, 57. 

Wessels, Captain Francis, 3, 170, 223, 286, 
407. 

Weber, Private Joseph, 204. 

Webb, General Alex. S., 45, 54, 62, 65, 66, 
178, 179, 187, 188, 189, 191, 192, 194, 
198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 208, 209, 
211, 213, 216, 222, 223, 226, 227, 230, 
234, 238, 282, 390, 391, 397, 401, 404, 
40s; Brigade, 241, 405; Report, 205, 
206, 207, 208. 

Webster, Private Geo., 277. 

Weideiman, Sergeant Frank, 112, 205. 

Weinert, Private Henry, 277. 

Weitzel, General Godfrey, 293. 

Wetzler, Lieutenant Charles. 3. 80. 

Wharton, Lieutenant Theodore, 4, 170. 

White, Private Joseph, 147. 

White, Lieutenant Wm. S., 3. 

Whitmoyer, Lieutenant Clark, 112, 170. 

Whitaker, Captain E. B., 277. 

Wilcox, General Cadmus M., 191; Brigade, 
164, 191. 

Wilcox, General O. B., iii, 287, 293; Di- 
vision, III. 

Wilber, Private John, 146. 

Windell, Private Wni. 11., 147. 

Williams, General .\. S., loi, 113. 

Wistar, Colonel Isaac J.. 2, 12, 109, no, 
423- 

Wittes, Sergeant James D., 57, T12. 

Wright, General Ambrose E., 192, 401; 
Brigade, igi, 193, 400. 

Writer, Colonel Jos. R. C. Ward, 29, 90, 
91. 92, 132, 133, 134, 13s, 171, 172, 
176, 236, 249, 252, 261, 262, 267, 269, 
270, 274, 275, 286, 386, 389, 410, 415. 
419, 421. 

Wright, General IT. G., 247, 250, 252, 260, 
263, 278, 292; Corps, 264. 

Ye.\kle, Corporal John, 205. 



H 122 8G 1 



w 



0- 



%^ 



.^^ 



\ 



.<■ 



V 









^M 







v-< 'o , » • 


.'\ 


^ -^o. 


A^ 


^^ "... 




«i?^- 




> c, ,0 ^^ 











^''-^ 



^^ 



.-e. 



^^ 









'ci. 



-& 






■(^^ 



f 






"••u. 


0^ : 




^■> 


o^ : 




'■ 


•'^^ ' -> 'vki- • 




°* •" 


* 






/ 




> , ^f 


'i 



u- 






.J * 



<'. 









•^^0^ 



4. VCV •» 

T O * » . o ^ 

V "' '.- c>. .>: 






<^' 



^*. 






1^ . f 






'S 




A ^ c o " • . <^ 






.0' 



,>^ 



,<^' 



vv^.^ N. MANCHESTER. 
'^^^ INDIANA 46962_ 









